INTRODUCING THE CAREGIVER’S CORNER
As a caregiver for someone who has Alzheimer’s, the very first thing you must learn is how to hide your feelings and emotions. You have to become an actress/actor because you will realize very early on that whatever you are feeling the person with Alzheimer’s will mimic. If you are upset, then they become upset. If you are stressed then they will become stressed. So learning to hide those feelings can go a long way to keep peace and harmony.
It’s not always easy to do, but there is nothing easy about caregiving is there? Over time swallowing your emotions and feelings can lead to severe health problems. Things like ulcers, headaches, and depression can run rampart if you can’t find a way to let these feelings out.
As my own mother sinks further into the Alzheimer’s grasp I see more and more how keeping things happy and calm can change everything. It can make the difference between a good day and a really bad one.
A caregiver often times not only has to deal with the person who has Alzheimer’s, but also husbands, children, grandchildren, jobs, bills and a whole list of other responsibilities that we have to try and manage as well. It can become so overwhelming if you don’t have a safe place where you can talk about the things that are bothering you without hurting anyone’s feelings. A place where you can let your hair down and just be yourself.
That’s why I have created a new Facebook group just for caregivers! It’s called a THE CAREGIVER’S CORNER. It is meant to be that safe place to land. A place you can slip into, take your shoes off, take a deep breath, and talk about your problems in a safe place where your words can’t and won’t be used against you.
I want it to be a place where you can ask real questions and get real answers to your everyday problems. A place to seek advice, answers, and even a shoulder to cry on if that is what you need.
If you know of a caregiver, or you are a caregiver yourself who would like to join a group where everyone is going through the same thing. A group that knows what you’re dealing with and who understands the many ups and down that a caregiver faces then please tell them about THE CAREGIVER’S CORNER and request to join!
I hope to see you there!
Remember to Appreciate the good, laugh at the crazy, and deal with the rest. I love you momma!
Haralee says
October 26, 2015 at 8:57 amSupport is so needed even for those not hands on daily caring for their loved one. Well done Rena!
Haralee recently posted…My Last Breast Cancer Awareness Post
Rena McDaniel says
October 26, 2015 at 11:33 pmThat’s true and honestly I think the ones that aren’t there to witness how their loved one is being treated would be so much more stressful.
Mandy says
October 26, 2015 at 9:05 amThis is going to be such a blessing to so many, Rena. I’m going to share with one of my best friend’s who is currently helping care for her grandparents.
Rena McDaniel says
October 26, 2015 at 11:34 pmThanks Mandy! I hope she decides to join up.
Leanne@crestingthehill says
October 26, 2015 at 9:10 amwhat a lovely idea Rena – I hadn’t thought about the concept of emotions being mimicked and the need to always be cheerful – it makes a lot of sense though.
Leanne@crestingthehill recently posted…walking the line when dealing with ageing parents
Rena McDaniel says
October 26, 2015 at 11:35 pmIt’s true I’ve seen it lots of times. As long as I pretend to be happy and stress free then she is the same way. The minute I start worrying about things then mom becomes sick to her stomach with worry and it gets worse as the Alzheimer’s progresses.
midlifecrisisnut says
October 26, 2015 at 11:12 amI think it’s a great idea of yours Rena to create a Facebook group. I must admit it’s something I’ve toying around with for a while, obviously not for Caregivers though:) xx Abby
Rena McDaniel says
October 26, 2015 at 11:40 pmThanks Abby, I think you and I think on the same lines a lot. We are both obsessed with it. If we were to team up…
Mithra Ballesteros says
October 26, 2015 at 11:38 amSharing this with all the parents of special needs children in my local support group.
Mithra Ballesteros recently posted…The Mother of All Get-Ups
Rena McDaniel says
October 26, 2015 at 11:40 pmThank you so much Mithra! I really appreciate that.
Karen @BakingInATornado says
October 26, 2015 at 12:26 pmWhat a wonderful idea. I hope everyone who needs it finds peace and support there.
Karen @BakingInATornado recently posted…Fly on the Wall: Picture This
Rena McDaniel says
October 26, 2015 at 11:41 pmWhat a sweet thing to say Karen!
Ellen Dolgen says
October 26, 2015 at 12:44 pmWhat a fabulous idea! It is so helpful to have a safe place to speak openly about your feelings and challenges. My husband and I just watched the documentary of Glen Campbell’s last tour which focuses on his battle with Alzheimer’s. It was eye opening and very heartbreaking to watch.
Rena McDaniel says
October 26, 2015 at 11:42 pmI have that DVD, but I haven’t been able to watch it yet. I try not to bring attention to Alz in front of mom. She is so self-conscious about it all.
Lana says
October 27, 2015 at 2:01 amWhat a great idea Rena. I wish there had been something like this when we were taking care of my mother in law. You are awesome.
Lana recently posted…Motivational Monday XXX
Rena McDaniel says
October 27, 2015 at 11:21 pmThanks so much Lana!
Kelly L McKenzie says
October 27, 2015 at 2:24 pmMy own father suffered from Lewy Body Syndrome, Rena. Mum would have found such comfort here. I’m off to share.
Kelly L McKenzie recently posted…We Are All Jem
Rena McDaniel says
October 27, 2015 at 11:23 pmThanks so much Kelly! I really appreciate it. It’s amazing to me how many people I’ve met whose lives have been touched by some form of dementia.
Joy says
October 28, 2015 at 1:36 pmGreat idea especially since a supportive community is so important to the often neglected caregivers. Any additional source of strength and understanding will be priceless.
Joy recently posted…Can Halloween Be Any Scarier?
Rena McDaniel says
November 2, 2015 at 11:06 pmThanks Joy! Spread the word!
Kathy @ SMART Living 365.com says
October 28, 2015 at 3:47 pmGood for you Rena! As always you continue to find ways to help others going through similar experiences. Not easy for sure. But so much better when you can do it with friends. ~Kathy
Kathy @ SMART Living 365.com recently posted…How Minimalism or Rightsizing Prepares You For Retirement
Rena McDaniel says
November 2, 2015 at 11:07 pmI agree Kathy! It’s a huge learning experience for me and I am trying to do all I can.
Liv says
October 31, 2015 at 6:50 amWhat a great place to look for support! Wonderful Rena!
Liv recently posted…Happy Hallowe’en!