Alzheimer Caregiver Advocate - There is help, support and hope for you as a caregiver.

No Good News

Disheartening news arrived today, when I picked up the newspaper and read Biogen halts promising Alzheimer’s drug trials. Years ago when my husband was diagnosed with early-onset-Alzheimer’s, there were 20 drugs in the pipeline, so we were sure there would be something for him. And, there was no doubt or worry about our children’s future. How wrong we were. My oldest child is five years away from being the age her father was when he was diagnosed and my youngest child is coming up from behind quickly. I try not to worry but somedays are harder than others, like today when it was out there…another failure. Will there ever be a cure? Why is this disease so impossible to crack? What will be the fate of my children and grandchildren? These questions continue to roll around in my head and will until researchers unlock the answers. Please help anyway you can in this fight, either by donating money or becoming part of a research study.

Cage

As a caregiver, whether in the beginning, middle or end of the journey, one can at times feel as if they are in a cage; this is normal. It can be very difficult to see beyond the, days, months or even years may lie ahead years. Taking it one day at a time is the best way to go. But I want you to know that there is life after caregiving. It is not the same life as before, but it is life and it will beckon you to come out and enjoy. This is your time. Open the door and step out…you deserve it.

Alzheimer’s Caregiving Is ALL CONSUMING. I am back after a brief respite of being overwhelmed.

Great to be back blogging about Alzheimer’s and reaching out to caregivers. I got all caught up in getting my book out, speaking engagements, marketing, and the list goes on, that I forgot I had a life and there were other things that were also important to me. Just like what happens when we are caregivers and forget about ourselves; a very dangerous thing to do. Don’t get me wrong, I love working on my book and one of the most recent things I am doing is serving as a Caregiver Connection Ambassador for The Caregiver Connection. If you are not familiar with this wonderful online group, goggle The Caregiver Connection, and learn more, while enjoying their many services available to all caregivers.

But back to you. It is so easy to be overwhelmed with caregiver responsibilities, that you forget about yourself. Ironic isn’t it, as in order to take care of someone, the first thing you have to do is take care of yourself. You can start slowly by carving out small pieces – maybe just minutes in the beginning – for just you, working up to lunch out with a friend, or a trip to the library. Whatever it is that connects you back to yourself. Create a Just for You, You Cave. Why not…men do it with their man caves. My “you cave” was my closet where I would go and hide and deep breathe, even if only for two minutes. Ask others for help, so you can get out or be alone for a short period. Disconnect from your phone, every now and them, let the house be messy and take care of it another time. You need to start small, but it so important that you take care of yourself. We are often called the “hidden or 2nd victim” because the focus is always on the one that is ill. Sometimes you maybe the ONLY person who can put the focus back on you. This is not selfish, this is saving you.