Help for Family Caregivers of Teenagers & Adults with Down Syndrome
Help for Family Caregivers of Teenagers & Adults with Down Syndrome
Help for Family Caregivers of Teenagers & Adults with Down Syndrome
A support system, according to Merriam-Webster, is “a network of people who provide an individual with practical or emotional support“. By that definition, it is clear that a support system is something that is needed by all family caregivers. But, let’s get real…the sad truth is that many caregivers have no support system. Zilch. Zero. …
Imagine trying to figure out your own life…and doing poorly at this. Imagine you are desperately seeking to determine what you need to do now, to ensure that you are not weeping later. Now, imagine doing all of that not just for yourself, but for your loved one who has Down’s Syndrome. Wait…you don’t have …
As family caregivers, we keep hearing that we should be planning for the future. We are constantly told that we must accept that we won’t be around forever and we should get our loved one ready to live life without us. OK, fine…so how do we start this planning thing? Where do we start? Firstly, …
Planning for the future of your loved one who has Down Syndrome is multifaceted. There are many moving parts, many pieces to the puzzle. One very important piece is having conversations. Conversations with your loved one, your family members, friends, legal and financial professionals, and even members of government organizations who provide services for your …
As a family caregiver, what is your plan for the future? Your future. Your loved one’s future. What does life look like 10 years or 20 years from now? Future Planning is one of, if not the most important thing family caregivers must do. We must plan ahead. Why? Simply, because we won’t live forever. …
Calling all parents of teenagers and adults who have Down Syndrome…I need you to pause and seriously consider the following words: What happens to my child if I die? Mom…or Dad…have you stopped to really think about this? I know that death is never a welcomed topic. I know that confronting our own mortality and …
Imagine you are at work and you get a call. You are told that your mom, who is the primary caregiver for your brother, has been in a vehicular accident…and your brother was in the car with her. Your mind immediately starts to race with questions. How bad was the accident? Are they both OK? …
I think we need to have a frank conversation when it comes to caregivers and money. As a caregiver, did you honestly sit down and pencil out your finances and how they would be impacted by you becoming a lifelong caregiver? Parents, have you actually taken the time to think about the financial impact of …
Who has time to “get help”? Not me. I have to be working at a job I hate, working overtime and on weekends, just to attempt to cover the bills each month. I have to be monitoring my loved one…making sure the doctor visits are done, the prescriptions are filled, food is in the house, …
It’s the thing no family caregiver wants to admit that they are feeling. Why? Guilt. We think we are “bad” for feeling resentment towards our child, parent or another family member. We do not want to be the one to say “Hey guys! I am not okay with the fact that my child has Down …