Elaine went through periods of anger and feeling sad. She realized later that she had to face up to her role as a caregiver and accept it.
Transcript
I went through periods where I was depressed and angry with our life, and thinking, “Well, how come we have to have this? We’re young, yet we should be able to pick up and go on trips just like nothing; we shouldn’t have to be dealing with all this.” Well, that’s silly; that’s negative thinking. If it’s not us, it’s somebody else. I mean, what’s so special about us that we shouldn’t have this? And we’re not religious, so I don’t think God gives you…I don’t believe in any of that so, it is what it is. My daughter said that about herself when she was 39 years old and got cancer. “It is what it is mom. I’ll deal with it.” And I think that’s a very good statement. You have to face up to that and accept it. Accepting can take quite a long time, but once you do, then I think you can move forward and say, “All right, now I have accepted that this is in my life. Now I can deal with it the best way I know how.” And I want to feel proud of how I look after him.
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- Adapting to new roles and key issues for spouses – Elaine (3)Elaine went through periods of anger and feeling sad. She realized later that she had to face up to her role as a caregiver and accept it.
- Adapting to new roles and key issues for spouses Elaine (2)Elaine had to stop sharing a bed with her husband when he started having violent dreams from Parkinson’s disease.
- Adapting to new roles and key issues for spouses -ElaineFor Elaine, it is important to find a way to have some intimate moments with her husband.
- Effects of care recipients’ behaviour – ElaineDespite her concerns, it was important for Elaine’s husband to continue doing work around the house. She learned to stand back and let him do what he can.
- Financial impact – ElaineElaine explains how they have adapted their home for her husband and how much it costs.
- Social impact and lifestyle changes – ElaineFor Elaine, staying in touch with friends takes effort and you cannot expect people to come to you all the time.
- Personal growth and transformation – ElaineGo with the flow: Elaine always tells her granddaughters to make the best of what life brings.
- Uncovering how and why caregivers care – ElaineElaine wants to be proud of what she has done as a caregiver.
- Society and caregiving – ElaineElaine does many simple things to raise people’s awareness of Parkinson’s disease. It helps people feel more comfortable in otherwise difficult moments.