"The definition of "Intense Caregiver' is Earth Angels"

Collage submitted by participant

"Relying on the lord. Praying without ceasing. My faith and trust in the Lord has grown so much in my struggle in being a caregiver. I need guidance all the time. Making the right decisions - saying the right words."

"It's really frustrating to be the caregiver when the care reciever, a friend and housemate, is part of a family system that denies the decline. Some families engage in the process and problem solving, other families deny and discount the decreasing abilities and symptoms."

"I get crabby when I'm trying to do something that I like, that is fun or enjoyable like putting up holiday lights, and I don't have enough time because there are too many responsibilities to tend to and I don't have help."

"Smelling the lovely, clean hair and body of a child who cannot wash for themselves. The content feeling upon his face."

"Our 30 year old son has spent most of his twenties caring fora  sweetheart (who is still in their twenties) who has three different conditions that make life scare and miserable. His mental and physical health often is rough. There are no easy solutions as the life expectancy of his partner is unclear with no medical cures currently available. We try as his family to provide the kinds of support we can, but there is really very little we can do."

"Living in the moment. Savour life. Messes, Laundry. Impulsive per VA. Dedicated medical staff. Never ending encouragement. Missing those that have past  - realizing life is short. Absent/fleeing kids from their father, when help is needed and they were spoiled. Thank God for God!!"

"This has helped me: No act done out of love or concern is lost.

It may not be appreciated at the time or ever but it is not lost."

"1. A positive is that I get to spend time with my loved one

2. It feels good to be a support system

3. A low - going through the downs and disappointments. Receiving bad "news". There is also a good - I get to be with my loved one and knowing that she's not alone takes a load/burden off of her."

"Getting her to smile"

"I had a difficult relationship with my alcoholic father and it worsened with his dementia. But I was the only one to show up for him. Now at the end of his life we say "I love you" and mean it."

"Mindfulness - ways to self care me!!

Its ok to be human and have frustration, exasperation with loved one"

"Learned a QiGong lift from VA practitioner & meditation breathing at workshop for caregivers in Holman, WI. This day, I slept the whole night ! afterwards.

ADRC, AARP, and others sponsored this workshop at the Holman Community Center ”

"Most days overwhelmed and can't think straight.

Trying to take care of my needs first.

Pressured to take care of everything now!

Thankful in the quiet times"

"Guilt at putting my husband in an Assisted Living Facility. Did I do the right thing.

But knowing I did - I have other family members that depend on me."

"Our mom is 83 and living independently next door to my sister - Mom is full of life and a bright spot on the days I get to see her. I am so glad there are three of us sisters to split up the many duties that are needed to keep her strong. We each took on a special role (daily care, medical, financial) but we have to communicate a lot to make this work"

"Gratitude for happy times spent with loved one. 

Fears/anxiety of fights and all thats involved in end of life. 

Selfish for worrying about myself after loved one gone and where to go with no job experience or income. 

Joy of the positive memories."

"I'm thankful for the day to have some time for myself and to learn about mindfulness"

“I don't like asking for help but I need it. Ins[urance] is terrible. I get $900 [social security], [illegible] get 2,600 & can't keep up with bills & meds. Stroke - pace maker - COPD & blood clot on heart (PDST?). I'm driving to a Dr. almost every day. House needs fixing. Caregiving day was great.” 

"Today was a day of meeting with others in my shoes. Nice to know I'm not alone. 

The presentations were enlightening and appreciated."

"Beautiful program - Day flew bye. - Knowledgeable people - Met new people, Laughed! In a long time. Learned about not being so hard on myself - Thank you! - Learned alot."

"I learned how complicated the Medicaid system is but the ADRC is available to assist us! Yea! Excellent day of learning and support with great speakers and resources. thank you so much!!"

"ADRC - we wouldn't know what to do w/out these valuable information"

"Realizing I'm not alone - This was a full day of ideas!

The support is amazing, relaxing is a must as a caregiver"

"Seriously, I can't think of one person, presenter, or at the table that didn't help me. I enjoyed [name's] presentation, she was funny, [illegible] , and got the point across. Again, I leave here ready to better take care of my husband."

"The support, sharing with other caregivers. The Dr that spoke about Hospice was excellent! Learning new ideas of caregiving, coping, gratuity and my own life and the life of my spouse with Lewy Body! Thank you, I drove 320 miles roundtrip!

"I am so thankful for the caregiving program. I learned so much about what I am dealing with caring for my husband who has multiple prolems in health physically and mentally. I know where I can get help now. So comforting."