CAREGIVING DURING ILLNESS

As a caregiver myself, I have tried to be Wonderwoman, working, caring for kids, coordinating parent care and medical care, and so much more.  For over ten years, I cared for between one and three seriously ill or dying loved ones in home. Saying Yes to outside help was the key to me staying well and being able to care for my loved ones.  It's your key too!

Every person who experiences a serious illness or injury needs help. And everyone who provides care for a loved one needs help too: Everyone. The biggest mistake anyone makes is to tough it out, wait too long to get help, and end up with a big, fat crisis. 

In over 30 years of hospice nursing, I have seen this happen much more often than not. And it doesn’t need to. Please check this resource list.  

Tip #1: Learn as much as you can about your loved ones condition. Don't be afraid to ask for more information from providers. This will help you understand the level of care which is needed, and  advocate for and provide better care. More tips to follow...

To care for someone is both a blessing and a privilege. It is also a challenge. Because caregiving is such hard work , it is essential to reserve some time away from the active duties of caregiving in order to refresh and renew your body and spirit.

OK, we'll admit it. It turns out our mothers were right -- about a lot of things. But especially about food.

You may not have known it at the time, but your mother was transferring to you some of the intergenerational wisdom she learned from her mother. Together, your mother and her mother (or your father and his father) were training you in the time-honored tradition of bringing comfort food in time of illness or grief.

 What can I do to help?  What follows are guidelines, suggestions, and tips for how best to step up to the plate and make a difference in the life of a friend, neighbor, or co-worker who needs help.