How did you become the caregiver for your loved one?
I became the caregiver for my father-in-law upon the death of my mother-in-law.
Has your relationship changed with the loved one that you are caring for? If so how?
Love for him deepened over time. What is the hardest thing about being a caregiver and the most rewarding thing?
What is the hardest thing about being a caregiver and the most rewarding thing?
The hardest thing was never knowing what to expect and feeling I was not doing enough. The most rewarding thing was knowing he had many more good days then he would have had if I had not been his caregiver.
What advice would you give to other caregivers?
Be kind to yourself. You are human and you will question your ability many times. The creative problem solving we all do means there will be times when what we try will not work. It doesn't mean you have failed, it means that idea didn't work.
In ten words or less, what has caregiving taught you?
Perfection isn't possible or required.
Describe a situation where being a Fearless Caregiver helped you succeed?
It inspired me to become a caregiver advocate and caregiver support group leader enriching my life in ways unexpected and rewarding.
Fill Out Your Own Fearless Caregiver Profile
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.