Thanksgiving thanks to every caregiver!

Posted by Scott, Volunteer Mentor @IndianaScott, Nov 22, 2017

Wishing a strong Thanksgiving to every caregiver reading this! I know from years of experience as my wife's caregiver, holidays can sometimes be anything but 'happy'. She did not enjoy holidays as they were a harsh reminder of what used to be and now only seemed to be a day, which threatened to interrupt her daily routine. However I want to let every caregiver know that from one caregiver to another I am sending thanks to you for all you have done, are doing, and will continue to do!

Our patients may not say it often, but I always knew, deep in my heart, my wife was forever thankful for the caregiving I provided. Sure, there were times of higher stress than others and some unkind words uttered, especially when I was a bumbling fool over not getting something quite right. I could never get her ponytail quite right, put her lipstick on nearly as smoothly as desired, nor bathe her properly, along with several others.

On the other hand I always knew many of the things she chaffed at me over not doing well were those things she mourned losing personal control over. Hard to be thankful or express your thanks to someone having to do something you did for yourself for decades.

We, as caregivers, are not only our patient's caregiver, but also their chief cook, bottle washer, chauffer, maid, butler, advocate, and more. For each and every one of these seemingly thankless tasks, I say an all too often unheard thanks.

So while I know full well hearing it from me doesn't really take the place of hearing it from your loved one, please know I send you, on this -- my very favorite holiday -- a HUGE THANK YOU for all you do!

To my usual sending of strength, courage, and peace, today I add thanks -- and the hope you get to smile during some portion of this time of gratitude.

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

Happy Thanksgiving to you also. Your words touched my heart today as I have been pondering and praying for the support I need as I begin and continue this journey of caregiving my husband who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Although in moderate stage at this time, there are days when the questions continue and I give the same answer time after time. We are looking forward to downsizing to a continuing care community next week. We visited our new home again yesterday and he commented on how nice and safe it felt to him. With that comment, I know we made the right decision. Thanks for all you do and your words of encouragement.

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My mother had vascular dementia. When I first moved her to Madonna Towers, she lived in a beautifully decorated apartment across the street from the main building. Her finances dwindled, and I was forced to move her to a studio apartment. Interestingly, she liked the smaller place better. There was less to keep track of and her apartment had everything she needed. Your downsizing decision was a wise one.

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Thank you for encouragement it is sorely needed for those of us who have been given the opportunity to be care givers.

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My husband just got released from the hospital today from pneumonia and your heartfelt words really lifted me up. Thank you for posting this message. May God bless you & your loved ones this Thanksgiving.

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Thank you for the Thanksgiving greetings. I add mine to yours. I pray that somehow everyone in our group can find a way to be thankful today.

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@seamaiden

My husband just got released from the hospital today from pneumonia and your heartfelt words really lifted me up. Thank you for posting this message. May God bless you & your loved ones this Thanksgiving.

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Wonderful reason for thanks!

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@sallysue

Thank you for the Thanksgiving greetings. I add mine to yours. I pray that somehow everyone in our group can find a way to be thankful today.

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Happy Thanksgiving to a wonderful support group who has really helped me get through some tuff times. an expat living in western australia. Keep it simple, stay calm as you can, keep moving forward. Sending a carers hug.

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