Caregiver Stories
We want to hear your story!
Why? Because your story matters. Have you ever listened to someone talk about their life and thought ‘Oh, someone else has been through that, too? I thought it was just me!’ Every story shared is a chance to aid another caregiver and help them feel less alone. Your story will be confidential or use your initials. Help other caregivers and yourself by sharing your experience.
The Bookends: Peggy’s Story
"I had two opposite experiences with my parents; bookend stories regarding their end of life planning. My Dad was never one to discuss much, ever. Very old school but a real softie. He sold the family business and was going to fill many retirement hours playing golf....
Soledad O’Brien Discusses Caregiving for Her Parents
Renowned journalist, Soledad O'Brien, pinpoints mistakes to avoid, and shares financial planning advice. She was one of six siblings helping their aging parents when they could no longer manage on their own. (Her father passed away on Feb. 6, 2019, and her mother...
In-laws Caring in Their Home
"I am a co-care taker to my husband's older sister. She is widowed, has no children, and can not live alone. Like most Americans, assisted living is not an option because of the astronomical cost factor that we can not help to pay. Therefore, my husband and I took her...
Caregiver to Caregiver (Panel discussion)
For the March Teleconnection call, we have an interactive panel of family caregivers who will discuss the challenges and rewards of caregiving, what they have learned, and what they would advise other caregivers. During a Q & A, they will talk with listeners....
Caregiving happens! Dena’s Story
I can't recall when I became a caregiver, but I was willing to do so. After being marriage for about a year and a half my father asked me to move back in and I never left home again. It started with my father who work on the railroad ever since he was 16. After...
Caregiving for a Spouse
Difficult wouldn’t begin to explain this Parkinson’s journey with my wife. This disease is tough enough, but trying to be a caregiver to a nurse is tougher still. She was a career caregiver to thousands of oncology patients, but her disease has robbed her of so many...
Finding Love and Fighting Alzheimer’s: A Daughter’s Story
I am Lisette Carbajal and I am raising awareness of Alzheimer’s disease for my beloved father, Jose Carbajal, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease eight years ago. My father once told me: “Find someone who has a heart like your mother. She’s so loving, caring...
Shelly’s Story
In early 2001, we began to notice changes in my mom. She was becoming forgetful. For ten years, we watched as she declined and Alzheimer's took over her brain. My father was her constant companion and caregiver. As she neared the end of her life, my father fell and...
Bill’s Story
My mother had Alzheimer’s disease for 17 years before her body finally gave up the fight. I didn't realize that I was being trained to be in a position to take care of my wife. My wife Linda's career was as a broker and underwriter for commercial insurance for 40...
How Jalen copes with Loss During The Holidays
No matter who you are or what you’ve been through, at some point in your life, you will experience loss. It could be a friend, family member, or someone who has made an impact on your life. It will cause disruption in your thinking, feelings, and behaviors because...