My husband and I are the family caregivers for our younger daughter who has lived with schizophrenia for over 20 years. She lives with significant disabilities that are common in schizophrenia and that make the tasks of daily living very difficult. The biggest factor in the widespread disability of people with schizophrenia are cognitive losses; […]
Celebrating our Mother Caregivers: Lycia’s Story
A personal story of how Lycia’s mother became her primary caregiver during her own initiation into motherhood. Six months after becoming a mother, my own mother visited me from Brazil in May 2019. My husband and I were thrilled to have her helping hands so tirelessly available while we were still learning how to […]
Setting Boundaries Takes Practice
“Sure, Mom, I’ll help.” As soon as she spoke the words, Mary thought, “I do not have the time or energy for this! Why did I agree to help?” Sometimes we say “yes” automatically because we are people-pleasers. We could be feeling guilty or emotionally tied to a situation and, before we even think about […]
Tips for Dealing with the Health Care System
Mrs. B is 70 years old was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease five years ago. She is on the highest dosage of a “memory pill” and is well supported at home with her spouse. She is very functional and maintains a high level of independence and quality of life. But cracks are starting to show. Three […]
Moving to Complex Care
Making the decision to move a spouse or aging parent into long-term care is one of the most difficult decisions families make. Guilt, resentment, confusion and relief are just some of the emotions caregivers experience. Many families tend to underestimate how difficult the transition can be and often find themselves practically and emotionally unprepared.
Caregiving Done Safely
Caregiving often involves physically demanding tasks. It requires conscientious care for your loved one – and for your own health. Performing tasks in a way that minimizes stress on your body can help prevent injuring yourself and the person for whom you are caring.
Caregiving Done Safely
By Wendy Johnstone Caregiving often involves physically demanding tasks. It requires conscientious care for your loved one – and for your own health. Performing tasks in a way that minimizes stress on your body can help prevent injuring yourself and the person for whom you are caring. Consulting with a specialist such as a rehabilitation […]
Caregivers in Distress – A Growing Problem
Family Caregivers of BC is pleased BC’s Seniors Advocate is once again raising the issue of caregiver distress. In the current report “Caregivers in Distress – A Growing Problem”, she points to a 7% increase in the percentage of Home Support clients who have a primary caregiver in distress, which equates to roughly 1,000 caregivers; […]
Summer Holidays
By Wendy Johnstone It’s that time again – summer holidays – and for myself that means a week long cycling trip in Oregon to recharge my batteries. Yes, this week’s column on caregivers taking holidays is a bit of a “re-run” from last summer. In my defense, I would argue some information is worth repeating […]
Balancing Work and Caregiving
You have a looming deadline at work and your mother is calling because your father has fallen yet again. You are notified by your mother’s housing provider to find immediate overnight care due to your mother’s dementia and wandering at night. When you arrive late for work after taking your dad to his medical appointment, […]