A TRIBUTE TO OUR CAREGIVERS
Who cares? Family and friends often do, beyond the call of duty. And for a person who is chronic-ally ill, that care makes all the difference.
Carol Ives wrote the following about her Aunt Marge, who cares for her husband Ed, Carol's uncle. Carol and her uncle both have CFIDS.
"Days ran into months and months into years. Isolated, barraged with symptoms, housebound for days and weeks at a time. Calls to physicians, rejection and derision, hopelessness, despair, false hopes . . . and she was there. Their lives confined, defined and restricted by CFIDS, the trips and relaxation and time together were gone, yet she was there. Devoted, committed, doing what she has to do because that's the way she is, those are the vows she took and she faithfully, lovingly and patiently fulfils them each and every day, each and every hour. He knows that no matter what, she is there."
I know this describes many of the parents, spouses, siblings, adult children and/or friends who care for those of us who cannot manage by ourselves. Thank you. We are blessed to have you.
TIPS FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS
- Choose to take charge of your life, and don't let your loved one's illness or disability always take center stage.
- Be good to yourself. You deserve some quality time just for yourself.
- Watch out for signs of depression, and don't delay getting help when you need it.
- When people offer to help, accept the offer and suggest specific things that they can do.
- Educate yourself about your loved one's condition. Information is empowering.
- There's a difference between caring and doing. Be open to technologies and ideas that promote your loved one's independence.
- Grieve for your losses, and then allow yourself to dream new dreams.
- Seek support from other caregivers. There is great strength in knowing you are not alone.
(Excerpted from the March/April CFIDS Chronicle, who reprinted it from the National Family Caregivers Association.) For information on NFCA call 1-800-896-3650.)
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Update 01/09/05. For questions or comments concerning this site, please contact Lori or Deborah.
Copyright © 1999-2005 by the CFIDS/FMS Support Group of DFW. All rights reserved.
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