"The ordinary arts we practice every day at home are of more importance to the soul than their simplicity might suggest." -- Thomas Moore.....
I am receiving more and more email. Over the years, I talk to more and more caregivers.
Most of the interactions have to do with common problems experienced by caregivers. Also, potential solutions to the problems.
Caregivers often lament. Whether they know it or not, its grief. Often an overwhelming sense of grief that is coming to the surface. Often a subliminal cry for help.
Rarely discussed is the most important interaction of them all -- Alzheimer's caregiver love.
Lost in this maze of emotions and confusion is love.
I wonder how much time caregivers spend thinking about how they are affecting the well being of the person suffering from Alzheimer's?
Why are they caring?
What is the effect of the caring?
How close are the Alzheimer's patient and the Alzheimer's caregiver?
How close were they before Alzheimer's struck?
Did the feelings between them change over time?
How close are they years after the onset of Alzheimer's?
If you were scared, fearful, confused and someone provided you with a safe secure environment -- how would you feel? What would you feel?
Love.
There is no substitute for a safe, secure, environment at home. Think about that.
There is no substitute for the love of an Alzheimer's caregiver. If you doubted this in the past, stop doubting.
Take a moment and take a few deep breaths. Think about love. Allow yourself to feel.
I can say this with confidence, I admire each and every Alzheimer's caregiver. The more I learn the stronger my belief in them.
"Since love grows within you, so beauty grows. For love is the beauty of the soul." -- Saint Augustine
Related Articles:
Communicating in Alzheimer's World
Alzheimer's World -- Two Circles Trying to Intersect
Bob DeMarco is the editor of the Alzheimer's Reading Room and an Alzheimer's caregiver. Bob has written more than 1,200 articles with more than 9,000 links on the Internet. Bob resides in Delray Beach, FL.
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Original content Bob DeMarco, the Alzheimer's Reading Room
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