Fearless Caregiver Profile: Jack Jacobs

How did you become the caregiver for your loved one?

I am her husband.

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

I am fearful of losing the most important person in my life, my wife. She has more common sense even with her dementia.  I hope to find ways to cope without her insight if she gets worse. Perhaps a cure may be found before it is irreversible? 

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

The hardest thing is witnessing a decline in a marvelous human being.  The most rewarding is being able to help her with each ensuing impediment as they occur.  It is a joy helping her when she needs it. She helped me all our lives together.

What advice would you give to other caregivers?

Follow the advice of the caregiver trainers when handling each new problem whenever they occur.  Try following your religious teachings for anger and other issues, e.g., praying for patience and tolerance.

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

No longer say there is an answer to every problem. 

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

I was able to successively help my wife get back to the present moment through the use of meditation and deep breathing many times.

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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.