Need caregiver stories for a book I'm writing

I’m looking for stories about caregiving for the elderly for a book I’m putting together.

I need people who have been or are currently a caregiver for a family member or relative.

What I’m looking for in a story is one of the following:

- How you solved a problem you were having relating to the caregiving
- Benefits you think you got from being a caregiver in spite of the challenges
- Touching stories or tender moments that occurred
- Things you learned from being a caregiver
- Things that helped (or are helping) you get through the experience
- Anything from your experience that you think would help another caregiver get through the experience.

Anything you can contribute that would help a new caregiver become a better caregiver would be appreciated.

pls contact me im working as a caregiver here in japan

I have been a caregiver for 17 years now.You got to love being with older people.It not the same with a baby they need alot of care well almost like a baby.The last women I was with we laugh alot and some time we cry when she was in pain.I feel so bad for her and that the kind of love you got to have for them.They got to trust you be there friend that is what they want out of you.

My sister is writing a book about our experiences with my mother. It wasn't pretty. She has vascular dementia and possible ALzheimers. There is a lack of support for family from elder law lawyers and social workers. It is hard to get the information needed to make appropriate decisions.

My advice--

Sort through finances to see where you stand. Check their credit cards for charges. Sometimes they order things from people who call them; buy things like vacation packages they will never use.

Can they stay in their home? Do they need in home care? Can you move in with them? Should they move in with you? CAN YOU HANDLE IT??? Keep them in their home when possible. Change worsens their condition. Assisted living is expensive and most are for profit and kick them out when they are out of money; plus they don't get the individualized care they can get from a live in. Of course run criminal background checks on anyone you consider hiring.

If you try to do it yourself; If you can, hire someone to come in a couple of days a week to give you a break--you will need it. Especially with dementia--they shadow you and you never get a moment to yourself. Start them showering daily or you will never get them in the bath. Set clothes out for them--they can't figure it out. Lock up medicines--they can't remember if they have taken them. They don't know they have dementia so you get resistance to your help. Ignore it. Just do it and don't take offense from their behavior. They will accuse you of stealing; don't take offense. They are AFRAID.

Get durable power of attorney for finances and medical before they are diagnosed as incompetent or you will have trouble handling thier affairs.

If your loved one is acting crazy (paranoid)--get them on meds. It will wear you out trying to make them happy--not possible. They may need to stay in mental health facility to be evaluated and stabalized. DO NOT TRY TO LIVE THROUGH THE CRAZINESS--IT DOESN'T GET BETTER WITHOUT HELP