For the Love of Caregivers Mimi Matthews

W2W HAS REALIZED A NEED AMONG OUR COMMUNITY: A CAREGIVER SUPPORT COLUMN.

FOR THE LOVE OF CAREGIVERS Many of our readers are caregivers for someone, including elderly parents, a disabled child, or even grandchildren. Full- and part-time caregivers can feel isolated. We hope that this column will provide information, support, and a connection to others who understand the caregiver journey.

Please email us your questions, answers, encouragement, or stories to mimi@w2wmichigan.com. We welcome your input and hope to make a difference in the caregivers’ community.

As an initial post, let’s bring attention to something we may not realize. by Mimi Matthews

THERE IS LOSS IN THE CAREGIVER’S JOURNEY.

• We have to change our lives, our expectations of the future, and sometimes where we live. • We may lose friends because we are no longer available. • We miss our independence, going out with friends, and the routine we used to have. • We have given up hobbies and activities we loved because there isn’t time (or energy) for them anymore. • The relationship we had, or expected to have, with the one we are caring for has changed.

As these losses occur we can begin to feel resentful, or melancholy, angry, or even trapped.

It is important to identify those losses and take the time needed to grieve them.