Many family caregivers step into the world of caregiving after a crisis. It wasn’t until the Milwaukee County on Aging case worker called me that I realized my father’s forgetfulness and disorientation were more serious.
But what can I do? I’m in California. Besides, what is dementia, really?
The first tip for caregivers: learn as much as you can about your loved one’s disease or illness, so you know what to expect.
Being curious, a trait I inherited from my father, I asked questions, lots of them.
Piece by piece I built the layers of my caregiving cake of knowledge.
I felt fortunate to find professionals who were eager to help with answers and resources. In fact, much of what they explained went over my head… some things didn’t even register!
I believe overwhelmed caregivers, only understand 10% of what is shared. Over time, we gather enough of these crumbs to build a layer of our caregiver cake of knowledge.
Gathering more crumbs, we build upon the foundation of what we know until we have to add another layer. We end up with a multi-layer cake that is held together with frosting.
When we learn enough, we often share a slice of our cake of knowledge, which bonds us together with icing.
To become a better caregiver, learn as much as you can about your loved one’s disease or illness, so you know what to expect and then share your caregiver cake of knowledge.
Also read Deciding to Be a Caregiver for Someone You Love: Why I chose to be my father’s caregiver.
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A special Thank You to Mary Hanna, who baked this cake for her husband, Leon, and then took the mouth-watering picture above for use in this article.
Absolutely! For years I have made it my business to ask many questions (including–‘how do you spell that medical term?’) and to research for info. I have had ER docs ask me if I am a nurse to which I reply, I am my father’s! 😐
LOVE IT! Also love your response when asked if you’re a nurse.