Preventing Isolation Of Your Loved One & Yourself As Caregiver
Isolation of Your Loved One
As dementia and other brain injuries take hold, your loved one becomes more dependent on you as caregiver. Often, mobility is lost. Events that were so important to your loved one's identity are out of reach, but are they?
My father always enjoyed riding his motorcycle. As a Vietnam veteran with PTSD, he needed solitude from others. His independence came from his motorcycle. When Dad could no longer ride safely, I thought of the second best: a tandem recumbent tricycle. I share my Dad's story of rediscovering our love for the outdoors and spending time together, even with dementia.
My father always enjoyed riding his motorcycle. As a Vietnam veteran with PTSD, he needed solitude from others. His independence came from his motorcycle. When Dad could no longer ride safely, I thought of the second best: a tandem recumbent tricycle. I share my Dad's story of rediscovering our love for the outdoors and spending time together, even with dementia.
Isolation As A Caregiver
Are you feeling overwhelmed as a caregiver? Take a step back. I know it is difficult to get some perspective when everyday you are in the trenches. Have you heard the adage, "You cannot be a good caregiver unless you take care of yourself first?" Believe me, it is true.
You need to remain positive and healthy for the inevitable bumps in the road as caregiver. I share my experience in a caregiver support group as a lawyer and caregiver for a person with dementia.
In between support groups, I recommend joining dementia and brain injury organizations. There are so many different organizations available for caregivers to join. Since there is only so much time in the day, which organization should I follow? What if my loved one has a rare dementia or brain injury? I joined both a large dementia organization and a smaller specific dementia organization for several reasons.
You need to remain positive and healthy for the inevitable bumps in the road as caregiver. I share my experience in a caregiver support group as a lawyer and caregiver for a person with dementia.
In between support groups, I recommend joining dementia and brain injury organizations. There are so many different organizations available for caregivers to join. Since there is only so much time in the day, which organization should I follow? What if my loved one has a rare dementia or brain injury? I joined both a large dementia organization and a smaller specific dementia organization for several reasons.