THE MS CAREGIVER: Navigating this Critical Role with Realistic Expectations and Grace

EPISODE NOTES:

• The evolution of the amount of care required over time
• Failing drugs, failing health
• When doctors don't acknowledge caregiver input
• Preserving the patient's dignity
• Being a spouse and a carer
• The price a carer can pay if they don't tend to their own healthcare needs
• Never underestimate how stress can affect a caregiver's wellbeing
• You can't care for the patient if you don't care for yourself
• Home modifications to make life easier for the patient and the caregiver
• When your home feels like a medical facility
• Handling a patient who has bouts of anger or lashes out
• The Mirror Theory
• Not taking a patient's behavior personally
• The importance of support groups
• Explaining your situation to family and friends
• How to approach a child about a parent's illness
• How organization is the key to your sanity
• Utilizing white boards and diaries
• Don't panic. Get help.
• Planning for the future when your partner has a chronic illness
• Don't stop planning for the future. Plan differently.
• Don't lose yourself. Ask for help. You are not alone.

LINKS:

MS Caregiver Support Group

Aaron and PPMS

The MS Gym

Brooke Slick