A Letter to Caregivers

January 17, 2008

(Source: American Chronicle) - In this article Tom Begert-

describes his experience caring for his father with Shay Dragger's

disease (a disease that mirrors symptoms of Alzheimer's disease):

" Moving him to our home was no easy task, " Begert- writes. " If

it were not for the adult day care center Dad attended five days a

week, my sister would have had to quit her job. And I would have had

to take vacation or personal time when he stayed with us. "

" The adult day care center offered us services like an on site nurse,

physical therapies, podiatry services, beauty/barber services and

bathing, provided him snacks and noon meals that were nutritious and

met his special dietary needs. The social contacts with his peers

kept Dad engaged. He loved visiting with his friends. "

" But even more than that, the staff provided Dad with a friendly,

safe environment that he looked forward to each and every day. Dad

was greeted with a hug and a smile. He would return home tired, but

it was a good tired. "

" Caregiving is an emotional journey of mountain tops and valleys. Our

mountain tops are found in the knowledge that in caring for our loved

ones we are given the awesome opportunity to demonstrate our love and

commitment. Our valleys are found in exhaustion, inadequate knowledge

and continuous care which can lead to burnout, stress and depression. "

" If you are a caregiver, you do not have to 'go it alone.' Just the

fact that you are reading this publication is healthy proof that you

are seeking companions to accompany and assist you on your journey.

There are people, resources and information available. "

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