Fearless Caregiver Profile: Shari Boyd

How did you become the caregiver for your loved one?

I couldn't leave her on her own 900 miles away so I moved her in with me...  her doctors said 24-36 months .. that was 11 years ago.

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

It was not all that great to start with and it's worse now, but that's probably more due to no help, no breaks and her stubbornness which has only gotten worse.

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

Hardest...  the unknown, giving too much of ones self for the cause....  rewarding...  I'm hoping in the end I'll know I did the best I could for her.

What advice would you give to other caregivers?

Don't take it all on your own, make arrangements to give yourself time.

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

I'm not nearly as patient as I thought I was. 

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

Just knowing I'm NOT alone in all this, tips, advice .. I've gotten more from these emails than I ever got from the Alz Assoc.

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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.