We’re super excited to introduce our latest social media campaign, Humans of Caregiving (inspired by the incredible stories collected and shared by @humansofny)!
Over the last few months, we’ve been collecting stories and photos from YOU, our followers—caregivers who have been generous enough to share a peek into the human side of their caregiving journey.
Follow our social media accounts to meet a new real-life superhero(ine) every week, and check the blog regularly for recap collections like this one.
Meet Felicia, who cares for her parents
Follow her: @hangingwiththeelderlies
as well as her 70-year-old mother, who suffers from type 2 diabetes, epilepsy, sleep apnea,
stage 3 kidney disease, hypertension, and vascular dementia.
The hardest part of being a caregiver is watching my parents deteriorate and trying my best to offer them optimal care, while not losing myself to anger, bitterness, resentment and depression.
Being a caregiver has completely turned my life upside down, and I am still working ferociously to turn it around as I continue being the best version of myself for all those who love and depend on me.
The one thing I do for myself is work out 5 to 6 times a week to manage my mental, physical and emotional health. I often worry about being prepared for all that lies ahead in the future while managing the day-to-day needs for my family and my parents.
If I had an unexpected break from caregiving, I would take a long trip to an island with beautiful white sand and crisp, clean bluish green water and relax all day with my husband by my side.
Meet Holly, who cared for her mom
Follow her: @wellnessgarden.design
My caregiving story started in 2010, when my mother asked me to move home from Florida to help her. She had been on oxygen for COPD and had all her faculties (sharp as a tack). It was the COPD that robbed her of breathing regularly, causing mobility issues and low energy. Weather would also limit her outdoor time, as temperature, humidity and pollen could cause problems.
After a few weeks of seeing to her needs, I decided I had to move in. It was going to be a big change to move back in with my parents!
After 4 years of caring for her, she lost her fight and passed on to her next life. I knew the day would come, but always worried it would come sooner than I thought. I worried that every day would be her last. That I would wake up and she wouldn’t. The hardest part of it all was seeing the depression having a chronic illness had caused.
To bring myself joy, I love to garden! It was a win/win since I’d get my time/space in the garden and my mother could enjoy the flowers from the window. She was mostly housebound, due to breathing issues.
I would like people to know that caregiving is a gift. You’ll realize priorities, and that it’s the small things that really count.
My new chapter in life is my landscape design business that focuses on promoting wellness via inclusive designs and sensory stimulation.
Clearly, I just love getting outside!
Meet Renee, who cares for her partner
Follow her: @reneechristinelove
three years ago. Pictured is Renee’s favorite tattoo, a water drop with lilies,
which is beautifully displayed on her arm.
Remembering to care for myself—while navigating the dynamic shift in our relationship since his injury—has been difficult. Caregiving is extremely demanding on all levels and what worked yesterday may not work today, but I do my best to keep a positive attitude, show compassion and give support to my partner.
Something I do just for myself is run. Running provides space both physically and mentally for me to reset and focus on myself, but I still worry about keeping balance in my life so I can provide the best care while keeping myself healthy physically, emotionally and mentally.
One year of Caregiving Advice: the highlights
