Learning to Take Care of Oneself: Advice for New Caregivers By: Kathi Koll One day, my husband, Don, was a vibrant, active and successful man, and the next he was paralyzed and required a respirator to breathe. It was 2005, and he had suffered a massive stroke that changed both of our lives forever. Our…
When a parent or grandparent has a stroke or other sudden health incident and has become fully or partially disabled, talking to children about it can be a delicate endeavor. The task can be especially challenging if the beloved adult no longer communicates or moves as s/he once did. How should this conversation be approached…
Tips for a Caregiver of Someone Who’s Had a Stroke By Kara Mayer Robinson Reviewed by James Beckerman, MD, FACC In 2005, after her husband, Don, had a stroke, Kathi Koll got a crash course in caregiving. She had cared for her parents in the past, but this was different. “Our lives completely changed overnight,”…
It’s summertime and you want to be outdoors enjoying the beach or other activities. But as a stroke survivor or caregiver, you’re depressed because summer just reminds you of all of the activities you used to do pre-stroke that you think would be too difficult to do now. I get it. After my husband Don…
The following is a Q&A with Suzanne A., a Southern California-based caregiver. Suzanne is a caregiver to her husband Gil, who suffered multiple strokes and is unable to work. Suzanne works part-time to support them. Q: What do people not know about being a caregiver? Suzanne: Because of social media, our society has been introduced…
A Real Feel Good Caregiver Story By Brenda Avadian, MA Sometimes, we get to know people who deserve more from life than they’re getting. Caregivers are one group of people whose role extends beyond what seems humanly possible. Your heart aches wishing you could ease their journey along some of the rougher roads. Be careful…
Listen here to Kathi Koll from kathikollfoundation.org and learn how her foundation helps support people who find themselves as primary caregivers to a loved one. Kathi shares her personal story of taking care of her husband, Don after he suffered a debilitating stroke; what it was like physically and emotionally. Listen
Kathi Koll , of Newport Beach, tells writer Rachel Powers about the seven years she cared for her late husband, real estate developer Don Koll Don called me in the middle of the day from work and said, “I don’t feel good.” Part of his face was numb and his balance was off, so I…