Caregiving -Journey to a New Horizon. This remarkable book helped me

Posted by randywhite @randywhite, Oct 15 7:50am

Caregiving -Journey to a New Horizon. While like one reviewer says “…tragic and hopeful, gut wrenching and funny…” was very impactful for me. A series of 1-3 page accounts written by the Caregivers organized into 6 stages;
Realize, My life will never be the same
Commit, I can handle this
Reach out, I need help
Delegate, We both need professional help
Advocate, I advise and protect
Grieve, I remember and adjust
For my situation (MCI spouse) the impact was to resolve to make the BEST of every moment every day, as best as I can. That, before things get really hard.
I greatly appreciate this MAYO sponsored exchange medium, enabling Caregivers to have a space to support each other. That, seeking Him, and personal exchange support groups are part of the pathway.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Caregivers Support Group.

ksa230 | @ksa230 | Oct 16 2:16pm

Thank you for the recommendation. It was a free download on my Kindle store.

kayraymat | @kayraymat | Oct 16 4:11pm

How did you remember & adjust?
I find myself just crying at the drop of a hat &
don't even understand why most of the time.
People say remember the fond memories but they
ALWAYS make me cry. KR

billiekip | @billiekip | Oct 17 9:44am

Realize, My life will never be the same
Commit, I can handle this
Reach out, I need help
Delegate, We both need professional help
Advocate, I advise and protect
Grieve, I remember and adjust
Thank you posting this succinct overview of a caretaker's path. I reached out by moving near our daughter and family. I am in the process of getting professional help by moving my husband to a Memory Care Facility 4 minutes from our home. I will advise and protect him by being a constant presence and visitor at the facility. Eventually, I will grieve, remember and adjust.

randywhite | @randywhite | Oct 18 8:22pm

Your actions are all quite significant changes, none are easy and all following the pathway described for us. You are exercising both courage and love.

kayraymat | @kayraymat | Oct 20 11:34am

I am going to get the Caregiving book & see what I can learn.
They say cargivers get ill after the one they have been caring for dies
and now I seem to have severe joint pain so think maybe they are connected.
I did not cry yesterday! Kayr

sillyblone | @sillyblone | Oct 27 6:14pm

I know that being a caregivet is one of the hardest things I have done in my life! Kids were easy compared to this! Some days I want to cry and sometimes I feel blessed to be able to help my spouse. He has been there for me. Appropiateness is not always something he does well. But..there are days he tells me how much he loves me and how he could not do Parkinsons by himself. We have been a couple since the sixties. I never thought about getting older and being responsible for just about everything. Live and let the good times bless you as long as possible. 💜

randywhite | @randywhite | Oct 28 7:38am

While challenging hardships will come and are at hand, keeping our focus on those good times and on Him can lift us. Keeping the best balance we can of life’s dimensions, enables optimal living.