Can you share a little of your caregiving story?

I am a caregiver for my mother Julia Jones. I'm also her only child, so she has no other option. {smile} I began caring for her when we discovered that she has severe renal failure. A friend suggested that we bring her to Dallas to receive better health care. I took their suggestion and I didn't really want her to get on dialysis, but of course, the doctors, they assume they know better, and so I went with that. I've been taking care of her since 2014, which is when things got pretty bad.

 

Where was she living originally?

Louisiana.

​

What has been your biggest challenge as a caregiver?

My biggest challenge is seeing different signs of memory loss and knowing that I'm seeing this. When I share it with her, she has always has an explanation and tells me it’s not what’s happening. She is in denial and I try to ease that wherever I can. Taking care of her is a big challenge because it's just me and I'm the only child. What I would like to see is more support groups to provide a place to destress. I'm telling you, it's super stressful because not only do I have an ill mother, I have an ill husband as well. And to see them both going through this and it's only me, is hard.  I really I don't ask for help.  I just think that I can do it all, and so far, I’ve been managing. But still, I would love to have some help.

 

What do you do right now to relieve stress?

I get away and go off to myself, which is not always healthy. I also try to exercise. I try to walk, but being under this level of stress, I rarely find time to do it anymore. Now, I’m just getting back into the routine of being able to exercise. Exercise really helps relieve stress for me. My mom and I walk together sometimes. I try to incorporate her into what I do so that we both can have a healthy balance.  

 

What advice would you give to a new caregiver or somebody just starting this journey?

I would say, get all the information you can. Visit websites that relate to whatever illness  the individual has. Study that disease. If possible, partner with someone that's done it before and just stay positive about the whole thing. My mom has been my little backbone this whole time because she's more positive and she's going through this situation. Being around people that have positive energy is helpful.  Make sure that you’re just taking time for yourself and don't get overwhelmed with the stress of thinking that you have to do it all.