Fearless Caregiver Profile: Ginger Smith

How did you become the caregiver for your loved one?

Actually I am the patient and have an incredibly great caregiver. I'm an 86 year old woman who had to retire ten years ago as a speech language pathologist due to dementia. Four years later I was bedridden aphasic hallucinating tremoring paranoid emaciate.

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

My caregiver is my son, Ty, who has encouraged the independence I'm capable of knowing I still have mild cognitive impairment.

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

He had to deal with changing my diaper and anger about my horrific experiences in the nursing home.

What advice would you give to other caregivers?

Remember that we are prisoners of our minds and don't mean to do the hurtful things that come out of us.

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

That love and respect goes both ways.

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

I am new to this site and hope my lived experiences with dementia and caregiving can help others.

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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.