What I Wish I Knew

Toghers recently surveyed family caregivers to learn what care providers wish they had known when they first became a caregiver. Their answers reveal that the caregiving journey can teach us a lot about how to live, learn, love, and laugh.

Here is the advice that our caregivers passed along for other caregivers: 

• Balance self care with the needs of the care recipient
• Build a support system so all needs can be addressed
• It's hard to know in advance how much effort EVERYTHING will require, and how to keep your life in balance as your role changes from mate/partner to mother/caregiver
• You must learn to make a way through the labyrinth of government eldercare resources
• Learn what you needed to know as you go along by asking questions
• Keep a good sense of humor
• Remember that you don't have to be perfect
• Realize that you do know how to take care of yourself—everyone will keep telling you to do so
• When the diagnosis is terminal, don't be afraid to ask the experts how long they think you have
• Find out what resources are available in your community, including money to pay for or reimburse you for care

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