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.
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...
Caregiver By Chance, Caregiver By Choice
| At nine years old, I lost my dad. So young, however, so wise to know I needed to help my mom with my brothers and sister. You see, my mom was not well, so I was the “fill-in mom.” At the age of sixteen, my mom died, leaving six children. As...
Caregiver as Bad off as Care Recipient
I am sole caregiver for my husband for going on about six years now. My husband has become partially disabled from cervical surgery, rendering him unable to move his head and shoulders, which is painful and incapacitating in and of itself. Then a few years ago he was...
Laurie’s Story
| In 2006, my mother, a retired social worker, and I started Apple Care and Companion, a caregiving agency in Dallas that provides daily care and companionship. About 18 months after we started the business, I learned first-hand what it’s...
Picking up the pieces after the one you are caring for dies
| Written by Iris Waichler of the Caregivers Space When you are in the midst of being a caregiver, you build your time and your life around managing the caregiver tasks that need to be done. As a caregiver for my dad, I know my schedule...
La vida después del cuidado (Life after care)
| Cinco cuidadores comparten su camino hacia la alegría y el propósito después de cuidar de un ser querido. Se estima que 41.8 millones de adultos en Estados Unidos (el 17% de los cuales son hispanos) cuidan de sus seres queridos y pasan en...
Caring for a PWP (Person’s with Parkinson’s)
| I became a caregiver when my husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in 1999. We had no idea what to expect. We were both working full-time with a son in elementary school. The first few years were pretty easy with no...
Annie’s story – doctor’s wife becomes a fearless caregiver
My caregiving started when my my physician/husband was diagnosed with a rare sarcoma in 2011. Staying on top of what he might need at any moment, anticipating needs and acting quickly and effectively, can be the hardest and yet most rewarding thing. Advice for any...
Paula’s Story
Caregiver Profile: Paula Baughman My caregiving experience began when my mom and aunt needed help taking care of their dad. I never really had a close relationship with my grandpa. Growing up he was never around. Now, I know about his childhood and his time in the...