Some of the most precious years of my marriage happened after my husband, Don, had a stroke that left him paralyzed from the neck down. We both gained a deep appreciation for how committed we were to each other and how much love was present even in this extreme circumstance. Our roles had shifted. Instead…
🎃 Halloween is an odd holiday. Blend it with caregiving and you’ve got a spooky combination. 👻 Death and delight combine with fear, community, and creativity as celebrants transform for the day into superheroes 🦸♂️ or maybe local heroes like doctors 👩🏽⚕️ and nurses🧑🏻⚕️. Adults and children buy or build costumes, discuss them with friends and…
For many caregivers, the most stressful challenge to providing in-home care is the physical strain that caregiving puts on their bodies. In fact, regular physical strain is the most powerful predictor of whether caregivers will eventually transfer a loved one from their home to a nursing home, according to a U.S. Department of Health and…
As children, our parents can seem all-powerful. We go to them for advice, love, and acceptance. Yet, as they age and experience health difficulties, we encounter new versions of them. Eventually, they may struggle to talk, move, or care for their basic needs. This transition can be confusing and distressing not only for them but…
One of the easiest ways to get away from the world is by opening a book. This can be particularly true for caregivers who often live with long to-do lists and stressful realities. Even if you only have a few minutes to spare, a novel can provide an instant escape and significant therapeutic benefits. According to…
One in five Americans is a caregiver, and about one fourth attend to more than one person, according to the National Alliance for Caregiving. Because caregiving often occurs at home, this work is also not regularly witnessed by others, so caregivers can feel isolated, unnoticed, and unappreciated. The amount of effort and emotional intensity required…
When someone’s health declines, one or more loved ones may step forward to become caregivers. Yet quite often, even several caregivers may not be able to provide enough assistance. They may have other responsibilities, such as children or full-time jobs, so each one might only be able to give a few hours each week. Or…
Caregiving isn’t easy – in fact, it can be grueling. But sometimes, making seemingly minor lifestyle changes can uplift your mood. It may sound strange but standing up a little straighter can actually help you feel more capable and in control, even when you’re facing challenges. Does your posture really matter that much? Holding good…
When President Jimmy Carter shared the news that he had chosen hospice care, he also reminded Americans that death is a part of life and that dying at home is one way to experience that transition. The details of his home care were not released, but his health journey follows a similar trajectory of many…
Caregiving can be an ever-shifting challenge as a loved one’s health issues demand new treatments, new supports, and new routines. These changes can be hard to take in, especially when a loved one’s condition has ups and downs that sometimes provide hope for improvement. The new year can be a natural time to reassess and…