Encouragement for Caregivers

“Mary, one of the most difficult things you’ll find when caring for your mom is not getting enough sleep,” Evelyn said.  She described caring for her father when he had Alzheimer’s and said she never got a full night’s sleep.

I realized this was true when we moved Mother to our home.  Daytime blurred into night for her and she’d nap during the day and wander the house in the night.  I catnapped or slept so lightly I heard her every move.  This lack of sleep, plus care during the day puts a strain on the caregiver.

We caregivers need to know we’re not alone.  One of the books I found helpful was Daughters of the Elderly, Building Partnerships in Caregiving, edited by Jane Norris.  This give accounts by a number of daughters when caring for their mothers.

Some of the mothers had dementia; others experienced different ailments which took their toll on the older person’s independence.  I could find something to relate to with each of the writers in this book.

If you have resources that have helped you as you care for elderly family members, do share with us.

Daughters of the Elderly: Building Partnerships in Caregiving