CONGRATULATIONS Joan Gershman
for being recognized as The Caregiver’s Voice
Caregiver of the Month of May!
Joan hosts a website designed exclusively for spouses of people with dementia and Alzheimer’s, because she notes at the top of her homepage, “Our issues are unique.” Indeed they are. No one but another spouse could relate to the emotions of having a spouse with Alzheimer’s disease.
It has been my mission since the 2007 launch of TheAlzheimerSpouse.com to educate and inform Alzheimer’s spouses, so they will not feel as alone with their thoughts and emotions as I did when my husband and I started on this Alzheimer’s journey. — Joan Gershman (edited)
Her website is a place where people can talk openly and honestly about what they feel and what they are going through.
Things that are unique to spousal situations. It is a safe place to discuss everything from intimacy to grieving. The participants talk, vent, laugh, cry, and support each other in ways they can’t do anywhere else.
The Alzheimer’s Spouse website is also filled with resources and articles on all topics related to Alzheimer’s and dementia.
She has her hands full taking care of two men — her husband and her father. She also helps others by sharing her experiences and offering a way for people to share their problems in similar situations and to find support. I wonder when she sleeps. — Former Caregiver to his Father-in-law
Jane Lord writes:
Joan Gershman’s website, The Alzheimer’s Spouse is a place for spouses:
- to share their trials and triumphs.
- to share suggestions and experiences of where to find legal information about the dementia journey.
- to rant and a place to encourage one another.
- to read late-breaking news about other dementias — not just Alzheimer’s.
- to read about medical trials.
Joan has been an Alzheimer’s Advocate in Washington, D.C. and in her home state of Florida.
Joan, and the friends I’ve made through her blog, helped me get through the latter years of my husband’s dementia.
Joan’s heart and passion to help others is apparent.
Getting all dressed up for their son’s wedding offers a change of pace for caregiver Joan Gershman and her husband, Sid.
She takes such a bold step by allowing herself to be vulnerable in her posts, which in turn paves the way for others to also share freely. Many friendships are formed on her site that endure even after their loved ones have passed.
Joan offers a tremendous service by creating a forum for spousal caregivers to be educated, to vent their feelings, and to find camaraderie with others through their difficult journey. Her website serves as a support system for those who may not have access to a physical support group. — Former Caregiver for her Husband
Joan has been involved with organizing Caregiver Cruises, a wonderful opportunity.
I know that if every one of her members would have submitted a nomination if they weren’t knee deep in the trenches of caregiving with hardly a moment to take a deep breath.
Joan is truly dedicated to helping others and has a special relationship with her husband and her father. She is not only struggling with her own caregiving issues but finds the time to reach out and help others. She is a great person. — Director of a Caregiver Resource Center
Joan is amazing because she does all of this while being a caregiver for her husband Sid who has Alzheimer’s and her father as well. Because of this, Joan’s issues are our issues.
She is a strong, compassionate, caring woman who I and many others would love to see recognized for her caregiving work.
Nominated by Sheri Zschocher, TCV’s Caregiver of the Month with a Heart of Gold
TheCaregiversVoice.com editor, Brenda Avadian, writes: What a tribute! TCV’s Caregiver of the Month, Sheri Zschocher immediately submitted a nomination for fellow caregiver, Joan Gershman. This shared nomination for recognition was a first for TCV. After our selection committee chose Joan as a semi-finalist, two more nominations arrived–one (Jane Lord), granted us permission to include her words. Nominations have been edited.
Joan Gershman, TCV’s Caregiver of the Month of May will receive her choice of gift from (click on) The Caregiver’s Voice FAB Five Gifts from PersonCare. [TCV Update 7/2/2018: PersonCare website no longer operational.]
It’s YOUR TURN to nominate TCV’s Caregiver of the Month of June.
Click on Caregiver of the Month Nominations for easy guidelines.
Due May 10, 2012
Thank you for choosing Joan for this award. She not only takes care of her two dear men but she also cares for every one who finds her blog. A little over a year ago my husband was diagnosed with dementia with probable progression, I was alone in a remote place, mountain passes on both sides, so when I found her blog it was a lifesaving connection for me. She shares both practical advice and emotional reactions and makes her place a safe haven for burned out caregivers. Thank you and thank you Joan.
Joan,
I cannot think of a more deserving person for this award. I have read your blogs and comments continually and they are always informational as well as very well written even though your day may be overfilled and stressful. CONGRATULATIONS!!!
past caregiver
Bruce D*
Joan’s site has kept me sane. More information from fellow posters than can be found in books.
Thanks to thecaregiversvoice for selecting you as this month’s Caregiver of the Month. You’re an over-the-top caregiver and inspiration to many. Something to celebrate ‘midst the caregiving!
Joan deserves recognition beyond measure for her efforts in creating and maintaining her website. It was the first website created exclusively for spouses caring for their partner with dementia and continues to be a lifeline for those of us “in the trenches”. I have been a member since 2008 and consider The Alzheimer Spouse to be an important tool in maintaining my own well-being during this arduous experience.
Joan,
I am so very excited for you! You so deserve this award! I hope this bring joy and happiness to very busy day, week, and month!
Fellow caregiver,
Sheri