Fearless Caregiver Profile: Colleen Pope

How did you become the caregiver for your loved one?

The neighbor of my parents began calling me expressing concerns that my parents may be needing help at home.

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

I no longer feel like the daughter....but a caregiver at times

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

In my case, my husband and 14 yr old son, whom I homeschooled agreed to leave our home in NC and live and care for my parents until they no longer needed us.  Then...we (my family) all came down with Covid and my husband passed away this past July.

What advice would you give to other caregivers?

Ask for help....find a team of family and friends who will relieve you from time to time to take a break for yourself and family.

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

This is an exhausting but rewarding situation.

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

Despite all the Covid around us and losing my husband to it....my parents were never exposed to it.

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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.