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How did you become the caregiver for your loved one?
I got a distressed call from a outstate DCF office saying my mom was becoming ward of the state. I lived nearly 3000 miles away, My life went into boxes or trash can, I drove to south florida and on way had a car accident (not at all my fault) so here we go.
Has your relationship changed with the loved one that you are caring for? If so how?
Yes, I love my mom but we were rocky road as I was a teen when I moved away early and she has bad mental illness with depression and anxiety constant worry. I have been able to help her and care for her despite her being abusive verbally (she likes to put digs into you)
What is the hardest thing about being a caregiver and the most rewarding thing?
Dealing with mental illness and depression my mom has wrestled with her whole life. The reward is knowing you tried and care deep down despite rough life with her. Hardest is dealing with all these failing systems and non-caring people,in South Florida.
What advice would you give to other caregivers?
Boy oh boy, try to ask for help. it's so easy to get into traps of feeling like you failed or can always do better It will burn you out then it's very difficult to cope with a very hard job that is in my case very trying, difficult parent. Try to clear the air
In ten words or less, what has caregiving taught you?
That I am a good person and caring person.
Describe a situation where being a Fearless Caregiver helped you succeed?
Learning tools from seminars and groups etc....too many to list here really.
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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.