Fearless Caregiver Profile: Danielle Diblasi

How did you become the caregiver for your loved one?

My father has a traumatic brain injury, resulting from brain cancer.  This impacts his memory, judgement and impulse control.  He is in remission from cancer but cannot live independently, due to these cognitive impairments.  

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

Drastically.  He used to be the person I relied on the most for support in all areas of my life and now it’s completely reversed. I make all the decisions for him and have to monitor him and at times ‘parent’ him, which causes friction. 

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

The toughest thing by far, is the relationship dynamic but the most rewarding thing is being there for him after all he’s done for me in my life.

What advice would you give to other caregivers?

Don’t doubt yourself.  Feeling like you’re not doing a good job is a pitfall of the role but trust that you’re doing great and making a positive difference.

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

I’m capable of way more than I ever knew. 

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

The confidence I’ve gained has empowered me to start my own business.  I had to leave a career behind to care for my dad but I now have a successful caregiver side hustle. 

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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.