Fearless Caregiver Profile: Dawn Wynne

How did you become the caregiver for your loved one?

Covid began and my mother was living alone at age 83.

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

It has changed in that our roles have reversed she is my mother but not it seems like I am the mother by taking care of her and doing things that she did for me when I was a child (taking her medicine, eating healthier).

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

Hardest: When patient is being stubborn and refusing to follow doctor's orders.  The most rewarding thing about caring for my mother is the times we spend together enjoying watching movies, playing games and enjoying meals together.

What advice would you give to other caregivers?

Make sure you get support and help from your family members and/or tap into available resources in your city/state.

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

To take care of myself also and be patient.

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

When I had to challenge my mother's healthcare team by demonstrating that I do my research when going to them for support and pushing them to do what they should be doing to help my mother.  I do this by truly engaging with all members of the team.

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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.