Fearless Caregiver Profile: Eleva Singleton

How did you become the caregiver for your loved one?

I moved back home from L.A. and a year or so later, my mom's health began to fail. I took on the responsibility for her care . I guess I was in the right pace at the right time.

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

I've been my mom's caregiver for 16 yrs. We have been through a lot together. In many ways I'm the new mother to her because I make all the decisions for her best care.

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

The hardest thing about being a caregiver is watching age and disease take away what it chooses. However the best thing about being a caregiver is learning to appreciate the sliver lining in each day.

What advice would you give to other caregivers?

Become familiar with your loved ones doctor so that medications can be checked and discussed for  side effects.  Many times a mental change could mask as something else.

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

I appreciate aging and simple joys like good times and family.

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

I'm an independent filmmaker and  I created a short film about me and my mother's journey together titled The New Mother. Creating art in response to caregiving allowed me to express myself and give others a chance to tell their own stories of caregiving

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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.