Fearless Caregiver Profile: Heather York

How did you become the caregiver for your loved one?

I was 10 when my mom got sick & when I was 19, I stepped into primary caregiver role to give my dad more time on the farm.

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

Not really, my mom and I were always close as I'm an only child, perhaps we're even closer than before but hard to say as we've always been close.

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

Hardest: not feeling like I'm quite doing enough. Rewarding: knowing that what I do allows mom to stay in her own home with my dad.

What advice would you give to other caregivers?

Be easy on yourself, you'll make mistakes but you're only human and long as you are doing your best than nothing more can be asked of you.

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

Even the smallest steps are positive leaps forward.

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

My mom was at local ER & they wanted to admit her, I said "she goes to Mayo Clinic" doc: "We can offer the same level of care", I stood up & said "No you can't & you won't screw her up as proof, get her to Mayo. NOW!"

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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.