If You're a Caregiver, Find a Mentor

But one of the things I made a point of doing was personally thanking Amy, Anna, and Debbie for what they had done. Each replied that they hadn't done anything special, but I disagree. Each helped me build a mental model of what caregiving can be. Each provided important counseling concerning caregiving issues and shared their experiences, both good and bad. And each helped me to deal with the daily problems but also keep an eye on the long-term issues that could and would be coming down the pike. Without these three ladies, I don't believe I would have been as successful in what is one of life's most difficult tasks.

I hope that every care giver out there finds his or her own version of an Amy, Anna and Debbie. They may be friends or relatives. You might meet them at an Alzheimer's support group or in passing at a restaurant. Or you might meet them here on this forum. But whatever you do, find a mentor for caregiving. It will help you be thoughtful in your choices and assist you in making decisions that are meaningful both for you and your loved one who has Alzheimer's.