Common Challenges
I received the gift of renewed connection with my dad about six years ago. My dad had wrenched his shoulder when he fell out of the attic. Don’t ask. The doctor sent him to physical therapy first, but surgery was ultimately required to repair it. I was loosely...
Overwhelm, Uncategorized
Caregiver guilt has hung around me for years. I have numerous things I feel guilty about, and I can add new reasons every day. I may have broken a promise, lost my temper in frustration, spoken unkindly, made a mistake, or even worse, felt like I neglected my loved...
Common Challenges
The healthcare system was not built for daughters. It was built for the patient, but you’re the one carrying the binder into the ER, spending afternoons on hold, and logging into portals as your parent because there’s no other way. If any of that sounds familiar, this...
Empowerment
Ten years ago, while writing an article about family caregiving, I found myself comparing caring for aging parents to caring for children. That’s when it struck me: caregiving for a parent is such a profound, singular life experience that it deserves its own name. And...
Empowerment
Looking back on my 12 year dementia caregiving journey, I often wonder how it could have been different had I had support. The memories of being awake at 2 a.m. with no idea of what to do next, still shake me to my core. Sure, there are hotlines to call for support,...
