Drew’s siblings all had different reasons to be involved in the care or not.
Transcript
I get that a lot, particularly around the fact that I’m a male—and I’m a young male to boot—and that I have sisters. So, when people learn that I [give care to my mother], the next question out of their mouth is, “Well, why aren’t your sisters doing this?” For me, the reality is this: I think it, as far as the choice thing goes, it’s to each their own to some degree. However, the reality is that sisters and I have all experienced the same thing— a fairly traumatic event in the lives of our family—and yet we couldn’t be any more different the three of us. I think there’s an explanation for it, but as far as choosing what we do, one of my sisters has actively chosen not to be involved and one of them has chosen to be involved as much as she can, whereas I have made this, really I would call it a life decision. So, if there was a spectrum, I think the reality is that we’ve intrinsically, for different reasons, each one of us has made the decision on our own to what degree we are going to be involved. So, I think that’s probably, as far as the choice goes, I think it’s first and foremost it’s intrinsic. If none of us had it, if all three of us said nope, we would find a better alternative.
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- When care changes over time – DrewDrew describes two critical points during the course of his mother’s disease when his family had to make significant adjustments.
- Uncovering how and why caregivers care – DrewDrew thinks caregivers need to feel they can overcome most obstacles.
- Trying to find the right balance 2 – DrewWhile working on finding the right balance, Drew’s most important objective is to make sure his mother has the best possible care.
- Trying to find the right balance – DrewDrew and his family have made many changes to keep the right balance over the years.
- The future and caregiving – Drew“The future is 5 minutes from now.” Drew wants to focus on making sure his mother receives the best care possible.
- Support from family and friends – DrewDrew’s siblings all had different reasons to be involved in the care or not.
- Society and caregiving – DrewDrew would like the healthcare system to recognize caregivers’ contributions.
- Navigating the system – DrewAccess is a two-way street. You have to want to reach out, and there has to be something to reach out to. Drew found that there is no single person or place that can meet your needs fully.
- Legal issues – DrewAs a legal guardian for his mother, Drew considers alternatives on a yearly basis to ensure she is receiving the best possible care.
- Hospitals and facilities – DrewHospital staff can make use of the knowledge caregivers have about their loved-ones, as in Drew’s case.