Caregivers Support Group

A voluntary caregiver is a spouse, relative, friend or neighbor of a disabled person or child who assists with activities of daily living and assists those unable to fully take care of themselves. The challenges of a caregiver are unique and sometimes it's hard to find people to talk to who know what you're going through. Join the conversation and find others who...

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kaysie4490 09/19/2012

hi i am new to this group i am 22 years old and i am a caregiver to my grandma she has COPD i have been taking care of her for a about 2 years now she is now in hospice and i have noticed from the past month she has just gone down hill and not only her being sick now my pawpaw was just diagnosed with non-hodgkin lymphoma so at this point i just feel overwhelmed and i don't what to do anymore so if anyone can give me any advice on how they deal with being a caregiver i would really appreciate it

deleted_user 09/19/2012

Hi Kaysie, For only being 22 you certainly have alot on your plate. It must be very difficult for you to watch the grandma you have been caring for these last two years begin to go downhill . I'm sorry for your sadness and pain that must be causing. From my own experience the folks involved with hospice are wonderful. You are in good hands there.

As for your pawpaw you will no doubt need some caring family or friends to help you. Again you are so young to be dealing with all of this. It's important to take time for yourself. Do the things that make you happy and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

I'm not a caregiver expert. Just been taking care of my husband since Feb. 2011 when he suffered a massive stroke. I have good days and bad days. My best advice is just take it one day at a time.

Best of luck to you my young friend. Do keep us posted on how you and your loved ones are doing.

Many Hugs, Gwen :-)

kaysie4490 09/20/2012

thank u for your reply it is hard to watch her but i know that god has it all in control and yes the people with hospice are wonderful and i'm sorry to here about your husband I will be praying for u and your husband

deleted_user 09/20/2012

Big Hugs to you, Kaysie. It's a double blow for you with both your grandparents being so sick. You are an angel for being there for both of them. Keep leaning on your faith because there is unbounded strength there but be sure to give yourself a break...go windowshopping, have lunch with some friends, go to the gym..... I go to an exercise class every morning and this gives me a break from my husband who has dementia (4 years now). I've learned that you have to take care of yourself to be able to take care of others. Please keep us informed about your pawpaw. After the diagnosis, what did the doctore say was the next step?

kaysie4490 09/22/2012

thanks the only thing that keeps me going is my faith and knowing that god has it all under control and they have started hmi on two kind of chemo and in a few month he will go back for a pet scan to see if the cancer has done anything so right now we are playing the waiting game

deleted_user 09/24/2012

Kaysie, Check out a new post. It's a young girl like yourself being a caregiver to her grand parents ! You have alot in common. Good Luck my friend !

Hugs galore, Gwen :-)

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