Fearless Caregiver Profile: LORA COTTON

How did you become the caregiver for your loved one?

Reconnected after 38 yrs, learned he was in poor health & needed someone to help. Dropped everything and flew out. Been together ever since.

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

Initial health issues have gotten better; but then due to unexpected pneumonia, seizure disorder reappeared, causing dementia-like memory issues.

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

Hardest is not being able to "take the pain away." Best is having the relationship I do with my husband.

What advice would you give to other caregivers?

Same old; same old . TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF. Luckily my hubby does his darnedest to make CERTAIN I remember AND DO this.

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

Patience, advocatism, the insanity of medical care

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

Hubby was admitted, then transferred to sister hospital due to bed availability. I arrived at sister location to find hubby DEEP in post seizure status surrounded by staff ranging from CEO to orderlies. NO ONE KNEW WHAT TO DO!!! I immediately - brooking

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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.