How did you become the caregiver for your loved one?
Anita Davis
My 82-year-old mother had a stroke in July 2020. I had recently retired in 2019. After her hospitalization and acute rehabilitation at a facility, my elderly father and my 3 siblings and I decided to care for Mom at home.
Has your relationship changed with the loved one that you are caring for? If so how?
Yes. I am one of her full-time caregivers. I am also her Healthcare Power of Attorney, so I coordinate all her medical care. I speak for her.
What is the hardest thing about being a caregiver and the most rewarding thing?
The hardest part is watching my Mother physically and mentally slip away and realizing that she will never be the same vibrant person she was before. The most rewarding part is that I am able, along with others, to provide the care she needs.
What advice would you give to other caregivers?
Hang in there! Realize all you can do is your best. Definitely, maintain self-care. Realize you are not alone. Seek and accept help.
In ten words or less, what has caregiving taught you?
Taught me to put someone else's needs above my needs.
Describe a situation where being a Fearless Caregiver helped you succeed?
Being constantly confronted with life and death decisions, I fearlessly stand up for my Mother and insist that she gets the care she needs.
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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.