How did you become the caregiver for your loved one?
My Mother fell and I came down to set up Home Healthcare. Then Covid happened and my husband and I ended up moving in. Six months later my mother-in-law came to live with us and then after another year, my aunt came to live with us.
Has your relationship changed with the loved one that you are caring for? If so how?
My mother understands me better than she used to. We are different but now I think she respects me more. My aunt and I have grown close, and since my mother-in-law has lived with my husband and I on and off for the last 25 years, nothing has changed.
What is the hardest thing about being a caregiver and the most rewarding thing?
The hardest thing has been giving up any extra time that we had just gotten from being empty nesters. Since we have no other interested family, it’s just us. No real brakes. On the plus side, my husband and I are closer than ever.
What advice would you give to other caregivers?
know what you’re getting into. Be honest with yourself about the responsibility you’re taking on and what it will look like in five or 10 or 15 years.
In ten words or less, what has caregiving taught you?
Patience. And watching them age has inspired us to focus on heath.
Describe a situation where being a Fearless Caregiver helped you succeed?
Cooking, healthy meals for my elders helped me succeed in my own health journey. I lost, over the course of three years, over 120 pounds.
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.