I love your opening remark, Dorian, that caregiving is something that sneaks up on us!  I was my mother's caregiver even before she arrived in my home, in that I made and froze little meals for her and went over to clean her house and shop with/for her about every six weeks or so.  So my caregiving role, while it was ongoing, was gradual.

The issues mentioned in the report are fascinating to me.  So I'm not the only one who has given up my daily treadmill routine because I don't have time for it and don't want the noise to disturb my mother, whose room is proximate to the machine!  I do walk the dogs in good weather, but I have really changed in terms of my physical conditioning and my concern about my own wellbeing.  My biggest concerns relate to whether I can get done what I need to get done both in my work and in the household - an issue most women will typically face.

Thank you for providing such an interesting set of issues for us to consider and for creating such a useful synopsis. There is no way I could keep up with the recent findings without this website and helpful and experienced people like you.

Best wishes,

CJ

Carol Bradley Bursack, Health Guide

12/26/11 10:16am

Hi CJ,

Isn't it something how our priorities change with caregiving. The problem is, we often end up putting everything we want and need at the bottom of the list in order to provide for the care receiver. Your comment about giving up the treadmill so as not to disturb your mother - that could have come from my mouth (or keyboard). It's so hard to find a balance.

 

For me, what I've called the sneak up effect, began with one elder and ended with a total of seven, though just five alive at one time. Plus a son with severe health issues. Little by little, needs of others took over my life. While some of that has changed now, the needs of others still come first with me. I forget, too often, that I should look at my own needs, too.

 

Thanks for your insights as always, and do try to take care of yourself,

Carol