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.
‘I felt so caught in between’: LGBTQ+ caretakers face special challenges
Daniel Diaz lives alone now, by himself in his Signal Hill apartment, a space steeped in memories. He and his husband, Robert Morris, had been providing care for Diaz’s mother, Gloria, since 2012 in their apartment. Morris died in 2018; Mrs. Diaz died in 2020. Vases...
When I Sing, My Grandmother’s Eyes Light Up
“When I Sing, My Grandmother’s Eyes Light Up”: Grammy Winner Kalani Pe’a Shares His Alzheimer’s Story Kalani is a Grammy Award-winning singer and composer who comes from a long line of musicians, his k?puna: ancestors and elders. His grandmother has been living with...
Turning to hospice for Mom
Watching my mom accept her mortality – and turn to hospice after fighting pancreatic cancer for so long – has been an opportunity to appreciate the present moment. I try to focus on being thankful for the time we have together. While I watch from the sidelines of her...
Diedrich Bader: In the Moment, Gratefully
Actor, Diedrich Bader, shares his caregiver story of the career lessons that helped him as care for his father. In 1996, actor Diedrich Bader reached a potentially life-altering crossroads in his career and, at the same time, also nearly missed out on a valuable...
Rian’s Caregiver Story
I cared for my grandmother until she departed this world. She was diagnosed with cancer about six months before her passing. Each and every day after work, I would go to her and take care of her. Make sure she ate, slept, was clean and took her medicine. I am not in...
CRs Caregiver Story
I was a caregiver to visit a younger man who had been in an automobile accident which left him with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI). This resulted in some infrequent epileptic type seizures. On our initial visit, which is really a 'getting to know you' visit, one of his...
Actor Michael Chiklis’ Caregiver Story
Actor, Michael Chicklis, discusses his caregiver story and his mom’s struggle with the disease and his family’s advocacy for the fight against Alzheimer's. Emmy Award-winning actor Michael Chiklis was raised to put family first. Even after decades of living a...
Short Film “Ruth” Focuses on Realities of Caregiving
“Ruth” is a 9-minute short film starring the late Lynn Cohen as the mother, living with Alzheimer’s, with Barbara Tirrell playing her daughter and caregiver. Actor David Hyde Pierce, a longtime Alzheimer's Association Champion and caregiver, said of the film:...
Patricia’s Caregiver Story
My name is Patricia, and this is my caregiver story. I care for my mother, Lucille, a breast cancer survivor. She suffers from crippling arthritis, rendering her unable to walk. She is still sharp in mind and a joy to be around. Also, a never-ending mom who worries...
Gary Barg – A fearless Caregiver
Gary Barg is Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Caregiver Media Group based in Fort Lauderdale. Since 1995, it has published Today’s Caregiver magazine, Caregiver.com, and hosts the Fearless Caregiver Conferences across the country. Barg explains what pushed him to start...