Fearless Caregiver Profile: Donna Maye Barnes

How did you become the caregiver for your loved one?

Once mom was unable to live alone, my niece and her family moved in to care for her. Eventually she needed to leave her home, thus she came to live with me the year I retired. We are now in year six of our caregiving journey.

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

Yes, our roles have changed. I am now caring for the person who once cared for me-my mother. Not only that, but this is very difficult because she doesn’t know who I am.

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

The hardest thing is seeing my mother's health decline. The most rewarding thing is being able to care for her daily, through God’s grace.

What advice would you give to other caregivers?

Take care of yourself, so that you can offer 100% (your best) to the person in your care.

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

Patience, perseverance, and an inexpressible kind of love!

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

Bed sores are vicious, and I fight them with the knowledge given to me. When I realized how harmful they can be to one who is bed bound, I had to fearlessly fight them. I may not win every battle, but it is NOT because I don’t try!

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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.