Families are the primary source of support for older adults and people with disabilities in the United States.
Caregiving can be challenging, but rewarding. Exhausting, but incredibly meaningful. During the month, we'll be sharing helpful tips, resources and words of inspiration that celebrate the caregivers we see at Curative and in the community, who provide care to a loved one every day.
ONLINE RESOURCES
Visit these resources for additional ideas, tips and support.
- Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC)
- Alzheimer's Association
- Brain Center of Green Bay
- Caregiver Action Center
- Wisconsin's Family Caregiver Support Programs
A LETTER FROM A CURATIVE FAMILY
"When we ended the tour and left the facility, [my mom] gave me a big hug and said “Thank you for doing this. I feel for the first time in a long time that I have a purpose for the day.” Read More
ADVICE FOR CAREGIVERS
Understand their emotions. Dealing with memory loss can be overwhelming and very scary for a loved one. Take time to listen to their feelings and help ease their concerns. It will help them feel validated and listened to, which will help them feel more relaxed.
Find support early. Many caregivers feel they can go it alone. Doctor appointments, prescription pickups and other basic needs can quickly become overwhelming. And that doesn’t even address the emotional toll being a caregiver can take. There are lots of community resources available to take advantage of. Don’t be afraid to reach out.
It’s easy to go into caregiver mode and forget that you are also a child to your parent. Don’t forget to spend quality time together as a family, too.
Don’t forget to laugh with your loved one.
Know there will be good days and bad days. When a challenging day comes, remember the good.
It’s okay to take time for yourself. Remember: you can’t pour from an empty cup.
Find others going through the same thing and support each other. It really helps to know you aren’t alone.
Find someone to talk to – but talk about the joys, not just the frustrations
Online support groups are a way to listen and be heard with you can’t leave your loved one.
Keep a journal and take time to write it in every day. Even if it’s only a few sentences.