I have had the flu twice in the six weeks since my dad drew his last breath. I rarely get sick. In both of these cases, I was really sick.
I suspect my body is decompressing from the time I spent pouring myself into managing my dad’s care and caring for him.
It seems that much of society would look at this and say, “Oh, see, caregiving is a burden. It makes people sick. It’s a terrible drain.” And more similar assessments.
But I don’t feel that way. If giving my best to care for my dad made my body vulnerable, well, that’s ok. I wouldn’t change a thing. And I’m not the only one that feels this way. Many of the caregivers I rub shoulders with are saying the same:
“Caring for my loved one: totally worth giving of myself.”
“Was it hard to care for my loved one? Yes, but it was also beautiful and I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
“Everyone should have a chance to care for their parent; it can be beautiful, and it will change your life.”
I get concerned with terms like “unpaid family caregivers.” I am concerned that we may be losing a sense of family and community.
Caregiving is stressful, to be sure. But not all stress is bad.
This is what I love about the DAWN Method: it taught me how to help families (including my own) create lower stress for everyone on the dementia journey.
My best advice for anyone caring for someone experiencing dementia? Learn the DAWN Method. It will change your life.
