Fearless Caregiver Profile: RONDA DEVER

How did you become the caregiver for your loved one?

My parents came to live with me while I was teaching. After 2-yrs of teaching & caring for my parents, I finally quit teaching to care for my parents full-time. I am so thankful for my decision to spend the last years & days with my beloved parents!

Has your relationship changed with the loved one that you are caring for? If so how?

Yes, my mom passed in 2008 & my dad in 2012, but what wonderful memories I will forever cherish!

What is the hardest thing about being a caregiver and the most rewarding thing?

The hardest of course is when you lose the person you've cared for 24-7. And the most rewarding is to be there in their final years, months, days to make their time comfortable, happy & rewarding!

What advice would you give to other caregivers?

Be very positive & happy & it's ok to cry! Don't ever hold back on anything & have regrets later! Treat each day & each moment as though it's your last with that person. Take time to smell BOTH the flowers & the coffee!

In ten words or less, what has caregiving taught you?

To become a strong voice for the "weak."

Describe a situation where being a Fearless Caregiver helped you succeed?

I thoroughly enjoy caring for the elderly.

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Fearless Caregiver Profile: Join us as we celebrate Fearless Caregivers sharing personal stories as we care for our loved ones. Read this week’s Fearless Caregiver Profile and feel free to add your profile as well, so we can learn from and share with our fellow caregivers.