I was mocked and shunned for using the title caregiver. "Alright, Caregiver, we hear you, Caregiver." .. blah blah fucking blah. As I'm dead and removed from the others, it's simply a recognition of what I am to all in the small little life we live.
Caregiver is not a dirty word. It isn't a derogatory term. It is simply a title for the primary person who cares for someone who needs it.
Example:
Mom
Dad
Grandparent
Older sibling
Younger sibling
Son
Daughter
Friend
Nurse
Dr.
Cop
Sitter
"A caregiver, carer or support worker is a paid or unpaid member of a person's social network who helps them with activities of daily living."
Tones dripping in contempt are no longer welcome here. Blinders gone, filters obliterated, and realized hatred seen. No one is playing mind games, and she nor I should have ever had that accusation levied. The reality of this was heavy and sad. Chaotic and emotional, but even worse~ no resolution.
Don't want her to stress about it, don't tell her.
Being evasive is worse than the truth; go with the truth.
Want us to know something? Gotta communicate with us or the attorney.
Cognitive challenges and emotions of a teenager can't relate!!!!!
Nothing is harder on a caregiver and the one cared for than misremembered information that makes no sense and has no context from another. Nothing to stop the obsession with what is lost and may never be found for hours or days to come~ if ever. Communication is key to preventing the misunderstandings and chaos.
Villainizing me makes you feel better? Cool, here I am.
It takes a village, it takes a stronger community to fix what the others inadvertently break due to lack of knowledge or simply lack of caring in their words and actions.
Caregiving is NOT:
Fixing the broken relationships of the others.
Changing the mindset of the others.
Helping the others.
Caregiving IS:
Routine and structure.
Consistency and schedules.
Proper health care.
Safe, healthy, and calm environment.
Attention to detail for the best possible care.
To the only one who the Caregiver is responsible for.
Caregiving is a profoundly challenging yet essential role that many of us may find ourselves in at some point in our lives. It involves selflessly dedicating time, energy, and compassion to support those in need. Through the experiences of others, we gain valuable insights and knowledge that enable us to provide better care and understanding for individuals on their unique personal journeys. The hashtags #endalz and #caregivers highlight the importance of raising awareness and appreciation for caregivers.
It is crucial to recognize that being a caregiver is not something to be looked down upon or disparaged. Rather, it is a noble and selfless act that requires immense strength and resilience. Caregivers play a vital role in enabling individuals to maintain a sense of normalcy and dignity for as long as possible. Their actions are rooted in kindness, empathy, and empowerment, providing essential support to those in need of care.
When the efforts of a caregiver are undermined or disrespected, it raises important questions about the intentions behind such actions. It prompts reflection on whether these actions were carefully considered and why they are being met with disrespect. The incorrect narratives and disrespectful attitudes towards caregivers only serve to create confusion and distress.
It is essential to consider the motives behind such behavior and to question whether those engaging in it truly understand the significance and impact of caregiving. By acknowledging and appreciating the invaluable contributions of caregivers, we can create a more supportive and compassionate environment for those who dedicate themselves to caring for others.
"You care for no one but yourself."
Why is it ok to say this to someone who only cares for another? Without complaint.
The only complaint in this care facility is The Others. No challenges with the ones who care, respect the boundaries, and have fun and outings!!!Emails, texts, and private messages to her on social platforms had to stop at 3 am. Sleep is so important, this is most disruptive for someone who no longer sleeps and is now so stressed without an end in sight.
"My fucked up mind games" ~ you aren't having a conversation with me. This dialogue is with an individual experiencing short-term memory loss due to Alzheimer's disease. #elderabuse #cruel
These conversations are among you all. Not me. Never me. I only get involved when she is extremely upset, leading to heart-related issues, or when she is in tears because of the cruelty and stress she endures. Nothing beyond that.
The lack of comprehension and compassion towards her struggles remains unjustifiable. Why penalize her? When was that acceptable at any point?
Her words to you all several years ago still hold true today!!!
Her words!!!
Her mind!!!
Her feelings.
6 years later, this still isn't about me.
"Don't you think you are being a little extreme?"
No. I worked within the dynamic of the others for many years. The lack of awareness of actions that cause harm and the total lack of compassion for the situation we are all in baffles us. Why hurt the one who only wants to be your friend? The cognitive powers of a teenage mind can not comprehend this chaos.
The Take Away:
Find time to reevaluate what you think you know, knew, and think. Create a new way to communicate that is positive and kind. Find a way to make time for a quick coffee run or a lunch that takes more than 30 minutes. Slow down, time is not your friend.
Sinatra sang it best: "And more, much more than this, I did it my way. Through it all, when there was doubt- I ate it up and spit it out. I faced it all and still stood tall. I did it my way."
Her way is the only way it is gonna happen. 
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