A PERSONAL STORY: LONG-TERM CAREGIVING FROM THE INSIDE OUT

Editor's Note:
Mystery writer Marion L. Rosen is  an amazing survivor and a dear friend of mine. Author of the novels Death by Education and Don't Speak to Strangers, she later wrote the nonfiction book about her experience with breast and ovarian cancer, Dance Like Nobody’s Watching. She since has become an inspiration for women (and those who love them) everywhere, by making personal appearances across the US, bringing hope to those who desperately need it. Now she is faced with yet another life challenge, but being the fighter that she is, she has availed herself of knowledge and of the help services that are is available. When you speak with Marion face-to-face, it's hard to imagine that this gentle, humorous woman has the core of steel that makes her such a formidable female warrior, but she does. Following is her true-life story.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

By Marion Rosen

I didn’t sign up to be a caregiver for my husband. I don’t think anyone does. The job simply materializes when you least expect it.

My husband and I had vowed for better or worse, in sickness or health, 'till death do us part, and then went on to enjoy many wonderful years together. We worked at our chosen professions, raised our children, and took pleasure in our five grandchildren as they arrived. We traveled extensively around the world, making each trip a “second” honeymoon. Life was good.

When my husband was diagnosed with MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment), we were certain it was nothing more than a sign of aging. Then, a year and a half later, we were told his condition had progressed to Alzheimer’s disease. That diagnosis rocked both of us. We understood our lives would change drastically, and my role as caregiver was suddenly the top priority in my life. There was also the grim reality that this was a job that could go on for years.

So where do you begin? Your journey as a caregiver may be an experience of confusion, challenge, and mixed emotions. A caregiver for any sort of illness needs to explore any and all resources in the community. There is an association or support system for virtually every disease. With Alzheimer’s, for example, the logical place to begin is with the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org). In addition to a profusion of their own specialized services, the Alzheimer’s Association can put you in touch with other community organizations designed for people with memory loss and their caregivers.

If you have a college or university nearby, check for programs these institutions frequently offer through their psychology departments. Fine art classes are also accessible on a no-credit basis. Drawing, painting, poetry, and music are used to help reduce stress and to socially connect with others. I recently joined a class in recreational drumming. Musical skills are not required, and this program does offer a rhythmic method of connecting with inner frustration. You simply drum away the stress.

Local hospitals offer support groups that are invaluable. If your hospital does not have this service, ask the hospital’s social worker for a referral. Check into alternative health programs as well. Acupuncture, massage, aromatherapy and naturopathy can work wonders.

Exercise should be a part of your daily routine. For those who cannot perform a rigorous form of exercise, yoga is considered to be an excellent source of healing and stress reduction. Tai chi promotes relaxation and balance, improves bodily functions, and calms the mind.

When flying in an airplane, the FAA advises a parent to connect his or her own oxygen mask first before helping a child to fasten his mask. When a plane’s oxygen supply fails, we have only 19 seconds of consciousness available. We need to follow this same assumption with care giving. The caregiver must take care of one’s own mind, body and spirit by taking the oxygen first.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

All of Marion's books are available through amazon.com. Click on the link in the sidebar below and run an author search. To find out more about Marion go to www.marionrosen.com.

_______________________________________________________________________________________ 

Disclaimer: The purpose of this weblog is not to dispense medical advice nor in any way is meant to be construed as diagnostic or prescriptive. Always check with your physician before beginning any new program or trying any of the items discussed in the posts that appear on this site.