Caregiving

Until my mother became ill, my brother and I had a close relationship. But, a disagreement over which rehab facility she might go to put the proverbial nail in the coffin. My brother’s parting phrase outside my mother’s hospital room was, “You come waltzing into my town and think you know everything!”

One fall can have devastating consequences for an older adult, leading to injury, hospitalization, a loss of independence, and even death. Sometimes, it’s the fear of falling again that can be most debilitating.

Caregiving. What does it mean to you? While often rewarding and frequently exhausting, it’s one of many life events that can only be understood if you’ve been intimately involved. This truth is what drives most caregivers to seek support from their peers as well as professionals who can share valuable information. So, what could go wrong in such a well-meaning group?

If your job is to take care of people’s health, or someone you know lives with a chronic condition, how might you support patients who are isolated or lonely? The following recommendations can get you started.