Surprises in Caregiving: Live Chat Q&A @ 4pm EST TODAY

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MomMySHero
I used a basic spiral bound notebook when I was caregiving for my grandpa....I think I filled two notebooks in less than a year! It was not a fancy system, but it worked! I think a planner is a great idea!

MoniqueFrahm

MomMySHero That's okay! We're only human, we can't remember every single thing, all the time. It's a lot to juggle, all you can do is your best!

MomMySHero

MoniqueFrahm Right Monique and my mom tells me the same thing.

MomMySHero

MoniqueFrahm I just need to reminder to tell myself that very thing "I am doing my best" - which is difficult for me to do at times but I will be intentional in making a concerted effort going forward. Thanks Monique!

MoniqueFrahm

Did anyone have any GOOD surprises about caregiving?

I think this is a hard one to answer... But I would've probably said my adaptability. I was put into a situation where I had to adapt to something new almost everyday. Something was always changing. And it was hard, but I did it!

MomMySHero

MoniqueFrahm I can totally relate to this!

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MoniqueFrahm
I learned a lot about my family. I heard stories from the good 'ol days when people would come over and reminisce. I learned about family history, our town history, and many random facts that I would never have known if I wasn't in that situation!

MomMySHero

MomMySHero Ways I manage @MoniqueFrahm ? Well I just simply do what I must do unfortunately and work through it each day and with each incident as best I can. I try not to get frustrated but it becomes difficult not to do and I don't want to take my frustrations out on my mother which sometimes she witnesses my frustration before I realize it and I feel awful because the LAST thing i want to do is make her feel bad or worse than she may already feel. She has shared with me that it bothers her my brother doesn't come by just to see how she is doing.....outside of just coming when i need him to cover down in my absence (which he very very seldom does at anytime).

MoniqueFrahm

MomMySHero I'm sorry that your brother doesn't help you. It's especially hard when you see that it affects your mom. It's hard to balance because you do want to set boundaries and stand firm in what you need from him. However, it comes to a point when repeatedly asking for help with no behavior change from him is exhausting for you. I wish there was more I do do or say to help!

MoniqueFrahm

MomMySHero You're so welcome. Remind yourself everyday of what an incredible job you're doing!

MomMySHero

MoniqueFrahm just your words of encouragement and your understanding goes along way and helps tremendously. MOre than you could possibly know. Thank YOU!

MomMySHero

MoniqueFrahm sorry i had to step away to speak with the handyman whose at my moms installing a handheld shower head, etc.

MoniqueFrahm

Depending on where you are in your caregiving journey:

If you’re new to caregiving, what scares you the most about the future?
If you’ve been a caregiver a while, what advice would you give to a new caregiver?

MomMySHero

MoniqueFrahm if things were to decline with my mother's health in the future - that scares me but i try not to think about it only positive thoughts and road to making small wins in anything she attempts to do during therapy sessions

MoniqueFrahm

[deleted] I love this!

MoniqueFrahm

MomMySHero Not a problem! I'm going to keep this discussion open so anyone can add more if they want to!

MomMySHero

MoniqueFrahm GReat!

MoniqueFrahm

MomMySHero I love your perspective on this. Focusing on small wins is so important!

MomMySHero

MoniqueFrahm Yes it IS! and I try to make every win a big deal and point them out to my mom to prevent her from being sooooooooo discouraged at times. Some days are better than others for her and she gets emotional on days she feels like she is helpless. Bless her little heart......of course that saddens me and I do my best not to let her know instead focus on positivity.

MoniqueFrahm

For anyone that didn't get the chance to join live, our email is always open to you!

careconnections@trualta.com

And please feel free to comment on this discussion anytime!

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