Roller Coaster of Caregiving

Jane Cassily Knapp, R.N., LCSWC, offers advice for the caregiver based on her insights into the emotions of caregiving and family dynamics. From my vantage point, I heartily concur with her wise counsel. And I'm so glad to see emotional aspects addressed. Everyone involved has emotions about the situation, practical decisions, major life changes, losses, and the primary decision maker.

I encourage you to read Knapp's article,"The Roller Coaster of Caregiving," in Caregiver.com here.

Kimberly Williams-Paisley's story and caregiver tips

I enjoyed reading Kimberly Williams-Paisley's story of the decisions her family made when her mother was diagnosed with a degenerative brain condition caused by Alzheimer's. Williams-Paisley's 2016 book, Where the Light Gets In, is more comprehensive. What I read was Amy Spencer's "A Mother's Memories" article in Parade magazine. You can read it here.

In the Parade article, Williams-Paisley adds a few tips for caregivers: Talk about it. Expect guilt. Stand your ground. Write down your wishes. She expands on each in the article.