Welcome to Let's Talk About It. In this
special section we will feature the question/topic of the month and provide an opportunity
for an interactive exchange that will help find some answers and possible
solutions to concerns. If you wish to participate, just
follow the link provided at the end of the question/topic and add
your comments and thoughts.
What gifts have you found in caregiving? Did this new
relationship bring you closer to someone?
Name: Sharon Williams
Location: Arkansas
Date: 10/09/2008
Time: 08:22 AM
Comments
So glad you are doing this because I have told everyone that caregiving was a true blessing for me and my family! The gifts I found was a new closeness and appreciation for my husband who agreed - with no hesitation - that my aunt would come and live with us following a massive stroke. Another gift was seeing my teenaged children understand the importance of taking care of a loved one and being so loving and patient. I also received a gift of knowing that I was capable of providing very good care to my aunt for 8 years in our home and providing a loving place for her to live - and die. If given the opportunity, we would do it for another 8 years or more and be happy to do it!
Name: Carol E. Barnett
Location: delaware
Date: 10/09/2008
Time: 09:31 AM
Comments
Absolutely! My adult brother, Steve, age 44, moved in with me about 6 years ago. Steve has cerebral palsy and uses a power wheelchair to get around. We have always been close and there is just the 2 of us as both of our parents are deceased and there are no other siblings. It's a challenge as I am still working (I am age 53) and he was just laid off from his job and is collecting Social Security Disability and very much dependent on me but still the benefits of living together are there and strong. I would encourage other siblings to at least consider the option. Steve is sweet and loving and never fails to thank me for helping him every day with his daily activities.
We have a home health aide for about 8 hr/week but the rest falls on me. We have a van with a ramp and are on the go almost every day, as long as the weather allows. He has expanded my horizons as he is a sports fanatic and loves baseball, football and basketball so we go to games together. We spend a lot of time together as, is so often the case, folks with disabilities don't have friends and don't have lots to do in their spare time. My friends are usually supportive of having him accompany us out to dinner or for a vacation, etc. I think my life has been greatly enriched by sharing my home and continue to enjoy the benefits and try hard to cope with the challenges that come every day...there may come a time when I can't continue doing this so at least I'll know we did this as long as we could and a move to a facility will be the next step as I don't think he could live successfully on his own, without a great deal of support.
