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I have been caring for my husband for 5 years. I am doing things I would have never thought I would be doing. I keep telling him I can't be his caregiver as well as his wife or lover.
Carol Bradley Bursack, Oct 25, 2011
Over the span of two decades author, columnist and speaker Carol Bradley Bursack cared for a neighbor and six elderly family members. Because of this experience, Bradley Bursack created a portable support group, the book "Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories."
What you are attempting to do is difficult for anyone. Some people blend the roles more easily than others, but it's hard for nearly anyone. I'd suggest that you talk with a counselor to help you define your roles and let go of any guilt you may feel (caregivers live with guilt - at least any I've known - most of it unearned). I'm glad you can talk honestly with your husband. It sounds as if you need to start getting some in-home help to do some of the caregiving so you can concentrate on being his wife/lover. Please contact the National Parkinson's Foundation (www.parkinsons.org) for some help, and look for support groups for spouses of Parkinson's. I'd also recommend the Well Spouse Association (www.wellspouse.org) for online support.Take care of yourself, too.Carol
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rdesl
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Apr 4, 2012
I also take care of a husband with Parkinson's Disease. One of the things that has helped me is the local caregivers support group that meets once a month. There are two men from our church that come to stay with him while I attend the meeting. We share experiences, solutions, fustrations and triumps with one another. It helps keep me sane and understand his struggle better.
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