Thank you Colleen for the invite. My sis and I have been care givers to my mother who is 77 years old. It was stressful physically and mentally. As long as you have good intention, care, gentle and kindness with good judgement , it turned out well at the end. I have experienced with our Mother for her critical surgery. She had followed through the procedures and before and after the surgery. We have to be strong so that we can share the strengths, peace and love to whom we are caring for. My Mom realized later and she appreciated what we have done for her.

I am the primary caregiver for my mom who has Alzheimer's and has been bedridden since January. Mom is 76 and before she was diagnosed had hardly been ill a day in her life. She is also the first in the family to have this awful disease (that we know of). Mom moved in with us almost 3 years ago and I would say that she is in the late middle/early late stage of the disease, though it certainly fluctuates. I hope to encourage and be encouraged through participation in this group.

@nanax2 Welcome to Mayo Connect. You certainly have a big responsibility for your mom. The caregiver group is very active and supportive. I'm sure you will find encouragement for yourself and your family! Best wishes

Welcome @nanax2. You are certainly among people who understand, and are here to support you if only virtually.
Scott started a discussion forum here specifically for caregivers caring for someone with Alzheimer's or dementia. Will you also join us here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/caregiving-for-dementia-sufferers/

Hello and welcome @nanax2. Wonderful to e-meet you here. I am Scott and I was my wife's primary caregiver for 14 years while she battled brain cancer. I was also one of the support caregivers for my mother-in-law who suffered from fontal-temporal dementia.

I, too, hope you find encouragement here. I certainly have and I try my best to encourage as well. It is a nonjudgmental, sharing community and one that has helped me both as a caregiver and in my healing processes.

Yes, dementia is an awful disease and I send you all the peace, strength and courage I can.

The demands of caregiving won't decrease because you are here, but I hope it lessens the isolation and doubts that accompany caregiving as it has for me.

@hopeful33250 Thank you! It is nice to be able to share and learn from others who have walked this road before me.

@colleenyoung Thanks for the link to the caregiving for dementia sufferers; I'll join that group as well. I'm always looking for more understanding of this crazy disease and how I can best love my Mom as she struggles through this. I'm so happy to have found this website!

@IndianaScott It is always encouraging to find those who have walked this path before. It's not something I ever thought we'd be dealing with. I'm excited about this support group and the dementia suffers caregivers group, as well.

I am 52 year old mother of son with Williams Syndrome. Diagnosed at Mayo Clinic 22 years ago. It's a genetic deletion. There are many medical and cognitive effects from Williams Syndrome. This is just a suggestion. Perhaps consider starting another group specific to parent caregivers of children with special needs. I'm a veteran of special education, county case management, parents groups, Special Olympics, arc minnesota. Isolation, psychological break down. I know how it feels when mayo doctors in suits and ties tell you that your child will never grow up and will need support for life. I feel I have something to offer young parents in similar situation. I survived. We survived. But I know there are parents in the thick of things.

Hi @ihatediabetes,
Thank you for sharing about your son with us, and for offering your support to young parents who could use the guidance of someone who has been there.
I like your suggestion about having a special group for parents caregivers of children with special needs. The good news is that we already have a group for parents in About Kids & Teens https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/childrens-and-teens-health/ At the moment the group is not specifically designated for parenting kids with special needs, but there are several discussions dedicated parenting children with rare conditions:

- Rasmussen Encephalitis http://mayocl.in/2hjQ5qM
- Kleine Levin syndrome http://mayocl.in/2hjQGst
- Anyone with keutel syndrome? http://mayocl.in/2ikyPS5
- My son was diagnosed with tetralogy of Fallot http://mayocl.in/2hPVKUw

As you can see, I am not always able to pair new members with someone. So I am very grateful that I can tag you when a new member posts about parenting and special needs.
Thank you!