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Lessons I Learned From Caregiving
Good day caregivers everywhere! I hope, no matter where you are, the sun is shining on you today.
I love to write and just the other day I finally felt strong enough to begin to write about the experiences and lessons I learned during the time of my wife's illness and my years of caregiving. Up until now I have basically written about the pre-cancer times in our lives.
Rather than take up space here and retype them, I thought I'd invite any caregivers here, who are interested, to simply check out the below links. I have titled them as Shifting Gears since prior to this my website has been mainly focused on wine. I know -- big shift 🙂
The first is what I see as some of the primary lessons I learned as a caregiver, noting there will no doubt be more to add:
http://dpwinecellar.com/gear-shifting/The second, which I just wrote today is what I call busting the bromides I encountered so often as a caregiver:
http://dpwinecellar.com/gear-shifting-busting-bs-bromides/Certainly I have not hit them all so I ask are there any bromides that as a caregiver particularly get your dander up?
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@IndianaScott Your article and blogs are very interesting and helpful. Could I ask, though, what suggestions you might have to replace the old bromides?
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2 ReactionsThanks for the kind words, @becsbuddy
As I think about your great question, here is what I think:
1 -- Caregiving must be demanding. How are you doing?
2-- Is there anything I can do to help either of you?
3 -- See #1
4 -- Is there anything I can do for YOU?
5 -- I've heard XYZ is a good (person/company) have you ever tried them?
The only other thing I'd add here is that if something is offered, I hope the person will actually follow through. So many times folks said 'sure I'll do that' and never did. This is especially true if it is said in front of the patient -- offering, then not doing it, was especially crushing to my wife.
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4 ReactionsI'm a health/wellness writer, in my 22nd year as a family caregiver, and wrote a series of books for family caregivers: The Family Caregiver's Guide, Affirmations for Family Caregivers, The Family Caregiver's Journal, and The Family Caregiver's Cookbook. These books have the same purpose--to make your caregiving days easier.
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4 ReactionsThis is excellent! Thank you.
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2 Reactions@IndianaScott thank you!
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1 ReactionI received a Caregivers newsletter today. I thought I would add this quote to the discussion:
“And remember, when you reach out for help, you are not just helping yourself, but you are also offering an enriching opportunity to give and connect, to someone else.”
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6 ReactionsYes. When people say " he doesn't look siick"
huh? They think we are making this up? Seriously?
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6 ReactionsI just returned from helping my 96 yr. old mother and I thought I’d pass along some things that I learned. My mother was always independent until a month ago. She had a nice apartment in a retirement community. Then a friend lost her balance and knocked my mother over and she sustained a broken pelvis. X-rays didn’t show anything but an MRI showed the break. Mom had to move to the nursing unit, in her building, where she is monitored and gets PT. So, what did I learn?
- Try to keep things as near normal as before—change can be disorienting. Work with the dietician to have food they like
- Have a table within reach for tissues, water, phone, brain exercise books like crosswords, suduko, acrostics, wordfind, solitaire
- Encourage upper extremity exercises while in bed and out of bed time (with assistance)
- Keep room cool at night to help sleep. Bring a quilt or blanket that can remind them of home
- Ask about attending care team meetings. My brother and I attended one for Mom . It included all disciplines
- Attend a physical therapy session, if possible
It was all exhausting, especially to combine her needs with the fatigue from my illness, but important!
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7 ReactionsNow His skin looks sun burned with acne and he says it is non stop painful. It has spread down to his chest and inside thighs and hands. Another scan next week to see if it is working.
@lah Ouch! It makes me cringe just to read your words! Would aloe vera lotion help ease the discomfort? Can he take any NSAIDs like acetaminophen to help?
Ginger
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