Gary Barg, Editor-in-Chief
I have always been astounded at the quality of advice, interactions and heartfelt emotions shared by the family caregivers in attendance at the 305 Fearless Caregiver Conference we’ve hosted since 1998.
It is also wonderful to have had such caregivers with famous faces as Della Reese, Debbie Reynolds, Linda Dano, Leeza Gibbons, Henry Winkler and the Clays (Walker and Aiken) at the events, because caregiving is the great equalizer as the conversations are always about best care for loved ones as opposed to latest movies or albums.
But the magic really happens when an attendee asks a particularly vexing question about their caregiving and the best solutions always come from their fellow attendees. I like to call these moments Stump the Panel, which is where a Q & A panel of talented experts with hundreds of cumulative years of experience will be stopped cold by the question, and five or so caregiving hands spring up and present incredible solutions to the question at hand.
That is why I am pleased to pose the following concern from a caregiver.com reader who has a recognizable challenge faced by so many of us. If you wouldn’t mind, I know that she’d appreciate any suggestions you can offer at the bottom of this newsletter.
"I feel all alone being the sole caregiver for my mom, believe in the same house and I get NO time for recharging. How can I escape being "on duty" all the time?"
I’ll start it off with some advice from two talented advocates.
From Sandy Thigpen, Board Certified Patient Advocate, Care Manager and Owner at Personal Senior Advocates
“Finding Respite can be a real challenge! Each state has a Department on Aging and within this organization there is a Caregiver Resource Center. Typically they offer low or no cost respite services as these are state funded programs.
Additional organizations:
- FCA Web Resource Guide: A comprehensive directory for all aspects of caregiving, medical information, foundations, and support groups.
- Administration on Aging National Family Caregiver Support: Web resources for elders, caregivers, professionals and providers.
- National Respite Locator Service: Helps parents, caregivers, and professionals find respite services in their state and local area to match their specific needs.
From Barbara Yovino, Director at Christian Hope Network
“I agree with Sandy. Also, your doctor or State Senator should be able to give you some helpful resources. In the meantime, sleep when she sleeps, rest when she is quiet. Do not feel guilty if you need respite. It is normal. Reach out.”
Please allow me to thank you in advance for your comments, solutions and caregiving wisdom.
We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events.
Share your wisdom in the comments box below