My caregiving has ended

After Caregiving Ends: The Five Emotions

There is always a beginning and an end to caregiving, and we are not prepared for either of these life-changing experiences. Chris MacLellan reflects on the five emotions that surface when caregiving ends.
The Stages of Grief: Loneliness
Everywhere I look in this house, something reminds me of Mom. Sometimes all those memories close in on me, and I need a little break. But the memories are precious, and my life is all the richer for them.
After Extreme Caregiving: A Year Later
I miss my SIL. In the year plus since she passed, my life has been...
Good Grief
Almost three years ago, on September 5, 2015, my brother was diagnosed...

I've Felt so Much, And Now I'm Numb

If you've ever felt numb through your caregiving experience, you're not alone. A common coping mechanism during periods of prolonged stress and trauma is suppressing your own feelings.

“For The One Who is Exhausted, A Blessing”

An Irish poem and some words of encouragement for the caregiver who's feeling uninspired and detached.

Caregiver Spotlight Q&A on Balancing Caregiving and a Job

We spoke with caregiver and author Fern Pessin about the challenges of caregiving and employment both prior to and through the pandemic.

Caregiving Grief and Overwhelm More Pronounced During Covid

I have a request to all of you on the sidelines, from all of us on the frontlines: If you’re not helping day-to-day and in the thick of it, please don’t second guess our decisions after-the-fact. 

Love Letter to the Grabber

Making some humorous observations about the grabber, Fern Pessin uncovers the many ways this household tool promotes independence and safety for everyone.

Caregiving’s Ultimate Reward

My heart goes out to those who are alone in providing care to a loved one, but they shouldn’t have to. That has to change.

Are You Ready for the Unexpected Crisis?

These organization tips, from Elizabeth Miller of Happy Healthy Caregiver, can help family caregivers manage any crisis.

After the End: Finding Rest

God did not heal Ron. But God did take Ron home to heaven to live with Him. And it is now, as I approach the one year anniversary of his home going, that I am finding rest.

A Caregiving Comfort: Control

There are many circumstances that can challenge our sense of control. Certified Caregiving Consultant Louisa Stringer reflects on a time when she felt lost and what eventually brought her stability.

Celebrating Graduations, Birthdays, and Other Milestones Safely

When extenuating circumstances keep us apart during times of celebration, some ideas for making family and friends feel acknowledged and loved.

My First Mother’s Day Without Ron

I am missing the smell of burnt toast more than I could have imagined.

The Stages of Grief: Four Months

Grief is different for everyone. For me, it has primarily manifested itself in short, intense bursts of memory that can be horribly painful for a moment and then gone as quickly as they came.

I Forgot it was Mother’s Day

My advice to anyone reading this who still has their dear mother is to never stop giving a Mother’s Day card, even if she doesn’t recognize you any more.

Mom’s Memorial Service Would Have Been Today

The pandemic plus the loss of my mother occurring at the same time have made me aware of how truly fragile and temporary our lives are here on this earth.

The Decisions Caregivers Face During COVID-19

Several caregivers share the emotional conversations and difficult decisions they've had to make with their loved ones amid coronavirus concerns.

Spring Lets the Soul Soar and Gladdens the Heart

The virus is now a pandemic, the stock market has tanked, schools are...

Video: A Conversation about Providing Care at Home

In my quest to be as prepared as possible for the coronavirus, I asked...

Grief, Love and Remembrance

(My mother passed away Jan. 28 after years of struggling with dementia and...

Pennies from Heaven

I found a penny todayJust laying on the ground.But it's not just a...

Step Out of the Chair and Dance

ly?" The "that" was to talk about how their friend passed away in their...

Caregiver’s Office of Love

I open the strong wooden door.  It reveals a four-sided room with only a...

Blessing for the Caregiver

Blessing for the Caregiver Sending Encouragement You wait. You manage...

We “Don’t Know What to Do with Caregivers”

My husband receives treatment at an ALS specialty clinic. We have...

Stop the Shrinkage!

Once born, we are receptive to everything. Through our school days we are...

The Wedding

In 2015, during my parents' ongoing medical crisis, my oldest sister...

Importance of Boundaries

I imagine we've all felt it. We start caring for a loved one, and next...

On the Frontlines of Caregiving: The Healing Power of Laughter

Dani Klein Modisett joins Lynette Whiteman for a conversation about the healing power of humor and bringing laughter to those living with dementia.

No Longer Present, But Never Forgotten

A week has passed since my son's wedding. My dress and shoes are put away...

A Haunting Nursing Home Visit

Yesterday, I went to visit my 97 year old mother in law who was recently...

In The Name Of Loving-Kindness

Loving-kindness is showing me that I am lovable and I am capable of...