Preparing for Loss
I try to stay optimistic about the future, but occasionally, an event reminds me of how tenuous life can be. One of those events happened recently with the passing of a fellow caregiver’s spouse.
Preparing for Loss Read More »
Prepare to Become a Caregiver
Prepare to become a caregiver. In 2015, research conducted by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) found that 43.5 million adults in the United States (approximately 29% of the adult population) had provided unpaid care to either a child or adult during that year.
Prepare to Become a Caregiver Read More »
Compassion Fatigue
It seems ironic but did you know that caring too much could harm you? There’s a fancy name for it called “compassion fatigue.” While compassion fatigue and burnout seem similar, they have significant differences.
Compassion Fatigue Read More »
Remember Whose Life You Are Living
As a caregiver, I want to help make my spouse’s life better. I want to help him find answers to his medical questions, assist him in doing the things he cannot do, and help him in whatever way I can.
Remember Whose Life You Are Living Read More »
Help with Difficult Conversations
Have you noticed how difficult it can be to have a sensitive conversation with another person without being misunderstood? Why is that?
Help with Difficult Conversations Read More »
Understanding How FMLA Can Help
Family Medical Leave Act Living with MS means a lifetime of unpredictability. You may feel perfectly fine when you go to bed, but sometime during the night, a significant front moves through the neighborhood, wreaking havoc on your body. Suddenly, getting out of bed to go to work would require the assistance of a powerhouse
Understanding How FMLA Can Help Read More »
Right to Decide
I often feel like I have multiple personalities, and knowing which one I should use can be difficult. Sometimes, I know who I want to be, but it’s not always the one I think I should be.
Unexpected Sadness
Feelings of sadness hit me unexpectedly today. Since my husband was with me, I worked hard on the tears that rose to the surface from his knowledge. I don’t often cry about Lynn having MS.
Unexpected Sadness Read More »
Reflections on Caregiving
New Year’s Day often brings a time of reflection and, for some, a time for establishing resolutions for change. My life tends not to be stable enough to attempt to create resolutions for change. However, I have been indulging in reflection quite a bit.
Reflections on Caregiving Read More »
Avoiding Typhoid Mary
Have you heard of Typhoid Mary? Mary Mallon or Mary Brown (she used both names) worked as a cook and harbored the typhoid bacteria in her gallbladder.
Avoiding Typhoid Mary Read More »
Retirement to the Rescue
Retirement to the Rescue I have always had a tough time saying “no” to anyone. Saying “no” fills me with guilt. I like to solve problems and make others feel better. I, therefore, tend to suffer a lot of blame if I can’t solve the issues presented for resolution quickly or at all. I feel
Retirement to the Rescue Read More »
Holiday Preparations
Getting ready for the holidays at my house incorporates specific considerations that many families who do not deal with chronic illnesses do not consider as part of their preplanning task list.
Holiday Preparations Read More »
