Fearless Caregiver Profile: Evelyn Agredano

How did you become the caregiver for your loved one?

10 years ago another relative she was living with could no longer care for her.

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

My aunt is epileptic and also has behavioral and cognitive challenges in addition to early dementia (probably brought on by years of seizures). Early on she was physically capable of doing her own personal care but with the dementia that has decreased. 

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

The hardest part of caregiving is it is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I am a 54 year old single woman with virtually no social life. The most rewarding part of this journey is that is turned my life values upside down! I have slowed down, 

What advice would you give to other caregivers?

Slow down and appreciate the pace that you need to be at to be a caregiver. Remember to take care of yourself too, and find the silver lining in your situation, however small it may be.

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

I've learned to be a better version of the person I was.

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

I have been able to advocate for my aunts health and welfare medically and financially due to the fact that being her caregiver has allowed me to return to school full time to earn a degree in geriatric social work.

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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.