Family caregivers often feel isolated. Shelter in place is Standard Operating Procedure. Physical distancing, or Isolation 2.0 for me meant that my mini escapes were no longer an option. Otherwise, after the initial preparation, COVID19 isolation doesn’t feel much different than pre-virus life. “Mostly it is loss which teaches us about the worth of things.” […]
Isolation 2.0: Caregiving + COVID19 Read More »
From experience, I knew that the palliative care provided by a hospice agency could be an empowering resource to maintain quality of life at home for what could extend to years. I was aware that while some families involved hospice care at end of a family member’s life, their services extended far beyond, actually prior
Hospice: The decision Read More »
The Resistance In the beginning, I resisted routine. A routine meant I was locked in, locked into this role and locked into the responsibility. It signified the loss of spontaneity, the loss of control over how I spent my time, the loss of freedom. I felt that once I acquiesced to the routine, I was
Embrace the Routine Read More »
Coming to terms with the fact that my travel opportunities were going to be curtailed for an unknown amount of time was one of the most challenging parts of accepting the assignment as Dad’s caregiver. When I realized that adventures in life take many forms, I was able to embrace my role without resentment. The
The Caregiving Journey: How to Prepare and Make the Most of Your Adventure Read More »
Conditional compassion I needed a compass to find my way back to compassion. First, I needed to remember what it was, what it felt like. I remembered having it and watching it slip away as circumstances became more challenging. Was compassion conditional, like conditional love? Will I feel and show compassion only if deserved and
My Journey to Sustainable Compassion Read More »
I care for my 98-year-old father. I’ve created a plan for us and other family members. I thought it might be helpful to share how we’re managing our situation. This is for general information only; please contact your health care team for guidance on your particular situation. Minimize Exposure Minimize visitors to your caree’s home
Coronavirus Preparation & Prevention Plan Read More »
Amor Fati. This is the tattoo I will earn. For me, love your fate, signifies embracing rather than accepting my situation. The concept led me to the revelation that I was resisting the relationship rather than the caregiving role. Further examination helped me reach a place of clarity and calm. I resented the tether that
Amor Fati: Love Your Fate! Read More »
The blueberry battle Our letting go muscles are useful for more than just accepting and receiving help. They serve us when our inner child goes into battle with our parent. The battle may look new, but peel back the layers and uncover the struggles of an adolescent and parent, a teen and parent co-existing in
Pick your battles: Are you willing to die on this hill? Read More »
The National Alliance for Caregiving recently released a report, Burning the Candle at Both Ends: Sandwich Generation Caregiving in the U.S., that brings to light the challenges faced by the Sandwich Generation. These are unpaid caregivers of an adult who are also caring for children living at home. It is estimated that 28% of all
Millennial Caregivers: Burning the Candle at Both Ends Read More »
“Put a dot after those who leave, so that the names of those who come start with capitals.” Plato must have been a caregiver! Caregiving is lonely because friends and family often abandon ship when the waters get rough. You are so busy keeping the boat afloat that you don’t notice that you are alone
10 Ways the Family Caregiver Can Stay Afloat with Help Read More »
