Your parents cared for you growing up, and you want to return the favor. That makes sense, you feel obligated, you feel a sense of responsibility, you feel that you “owe it to them”. Before you jump in with both feet, you need to consider all of the implications of this decision. This is a [...]
Nearly 20 years ago, I delivered a speech in honor of a former caregiver for her husband with Parkinson’s. I titled it, It’s NOT the Thought That Counts . Rodin The Thinker Photo by Crystal Borde The speech was inspired by regret. In 1994, while on a tight schedule in Milwaukee, I decided not to [...]
If we’re to survive, we caregivers must find something to laugh about. We’ll thrive and find joy each day, when we tap our well of caregiver humor. There’s much to laugh about in simple everyday interactions if we stop being so serious about ourselves. I used to visit, José, my caregiver friend Lisa’s husband. He [...]
At Death’s Door brings to life the end of life. Many of us remain unaware of the important issues families face near the end of life. What does a DNR/DNI entail? What are the leading conditions that lead to irreversible decline? Who has the legal right to make decisions regarding our healthcare? What options does [...]
Lyn Purser was born 46 years ago with intellectual disabilities. Born four months premature, she was placed on antibiotics shortly after birth. Five months later, she and her older brother left Italy for America with their parents. At age 14, she experienced a period of seizures that were inadequately controlled with medication. As a result, [...]
