Stories from Caregivers: Rachel from ILLINOIS
IL
Rachel
FROM ILLINOIS
(About my Grandmother Laura) First of all, I thank you AARP for acknowledging the caregiver. Giving them a platform that lets them know, though they play the background showing care for someone else, they are reminded that their voice still counts too! THANK YOU! I'm journaling my experience about the ups and downs of caregiving. It's a lot to take in. It's tough taking care of someone else, while you neglect taking care of yourself. But when you see their need is GREATER than your own, you (at least me) I can't just sit there and do nothing when there's help to be given. My dear Grandmother (mid 70s) has been suffering from diabetes for nearly 30 years, which then led to blindness; then another complication: dialysis. Along that, she has lost dear loved ones recent years past. A little sister last year (in her 60s), then her Mother 10 years ago, then her husband (my dear Grandpa) in & '04. I'm not gonna lie, it is rough being a young woman -with a personal desire to do things that young people do; yet I know she is loved and the best way of showing my love for her is by serving her. God keeps her going, God keeps us all going! Did I mention, my Mother and 2 other siblings live with my Grandmother; We have a house full! We all share the duty of care, helping each other out -we take turns driving her to dialysis her dialysis treatments; I myself monitor my Grandmother's blood sugar, blood pressure, medication - even reordering the meds, did I mention she was blind? I help lay out her clothes the night before she goes to dialysis (3 days a week ). Also, maintain her checkbook, prepare her food, wash her feet, assist her brushing her teeth, and assist her with bathing when she's too weak to do it herself. You know? I'm glad that the things she has been through doesn't stop her from going to church! I've been raised by her, and I've never seen her waver her faith even with all she has been through! Glory to God!
