Meet fellow Caregivers - Introduce yourself

'Highly recommend Savvy Caregiver Workshop (free) . I attended it, many yrs ago, in MI. Found out about it from the local sr center. I believe it was 6 wks, for 2-3 hrs ea. session.

Hi @gznqk5 - Yes. Our Savvy Caregiver Workshop was 6 weeks with a 2 hour session each week. The workshop itself was free but if we wanted to, we could pay $10 to get the Manual that came with it. It was well worth the $10! I like to have it available to refresh my memory from time to time. For me, one of the most valuable parts was the information on stages of dementia. Can you share what you found most helpful?

@debraw706 I also attended in Mi. Very informative. Best part was that everyone shared their experiences. And the stages explained a lot. My husband is in a facility...hardest thing ever done. Still have doubts he should be there. Our daughters were worried about my health having him home. Alzheimer and Aphasia are his diag. I'm all alone. Going through counseling...seems helpful. Highly recommend the workshop.

this is a good outlet for stress, etc. Everyone is so helpful and all have little hints on how to deal with the daily stress we all endure. Know that everyone here wishes the best for you and your wife. Just one day at a time, and prayer helps.

The video showing ALZ ladies making peanut butter & jelly (or ham & cheese?) sandwiches, at various stages of the disease, was the most memorable. To this day, my husband often makes his own PB & J for lunch. Encouraging independence, at any level, is so important. BTW, the 3-ring binder, full of exercises & info, was free.

@kayakeradams, I add my welcome to the Caregivers group. I'd also like to introduce you to @burrkay and @cindylb who care for partners living with lung cancer.

I encourage you to start a new discussion about chronic stress and caring for someone with metastatic cancer. Connect is a great please to be able to let it out without judgement.

Yes @gznqk5 - the sandwich making video was such an eye-opener. I think our local Council on Aging had to print out the copies and buy the binders so the $10 cost of the manual just helped cover those costs. As I said, well, well worth it.

And @dianajane - I feel for you on having your husband in a memory care facility. It must be an excruciating decision to make. I'm glad you have your daughters in your corner and glad you are seeing a counselor. I just started seeing one and I agree that counseling is hugely helpful. I just found a counselor I really like. My 2nd appointment is next week. I know this is going to be more and more important as we go forward. I also find our local Caregivers Support group to be helpful. Do you have a support group in your area?

@debbraw Yes. DO have great support group. Once a month. Counselling therapy has been great. I am experiencing anxiety and depression. PRAYER and my church are another support. I'll pray for all of you.

Thank you so much, @dianajane. I am glad you have that kind of support. How long has your husband been in the memory care facility?

Debra since Jan this year. He is settling in well. Initially was constantly trying to leave and acting out when I left. Seems to be adjusting but does not interact with me. I kiss and hug him but he is platonic which is part of his frontolobal dementia....? Not sure of the spelling....indifference is part of that diagnosis. The worst is his inability to communicate. Cannot find his words. My heart is sad....although he does know who we are. Lights up when our kids and grandkids visit.