Fearless Caregiver Profile: Ellen Rittberg

How did you become the caregiver for your loved one?

I'd moved in with Mom temporarily after selling my own home, and planned to move closer to work and start my newly-single life when Mom fell on the night of my first book-signing and I realized she couldn't live alone, that she needed me there. 

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

Mom has since died but I wrote Why is Grandma Naked because I figured out ways to cope with the feelings of overwhelmedness and stress and I am a humor writer. I knew writing a book about the techniques I devised and that didn't would both amuse caregiver

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

The stress can be a happiness killer, but I devised ways to interact with Mom and take her places and deal that worked, some of which are funny and I think, a great solution like buying into her harmless delusions of which there were more than a few! 

What advice would you give to other caregivers?

Enlist others early and often. Find programs that your parent or loved one will thrive in, and if you are able, take them out into the world. Don't ignore their social needs or the family, municipal and other resources out there to lighten your load.

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

I became even kinder and more caring, although I already was that.

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

This may sound silly but showering Mom for the first time when I'd never ever seen even a hint of her , um, parts, was a revelation: I realized in was in for the duration and that I would see it through no matter what, and the 'whats' were many.

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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.