New forum for caregivers?

May I make a suggestion for a Caregivers forum? There are a lot of us who are, or have been, in the position of caring for an invalid, and we have drawn support from each other in a variety of places, but it would be nice if there were a forum for discussing just this?

Wonderful idea terre_! I think a lot of us baby boomers are facing that situation now or have faced it...

Boy I will third this one! The days and nights get pretty long here sometimes and caregiving is 24/7. Sharing and caring would be nice.

Terre - can you put Caregiving in the forum title so other caregivers can see that help may be on it's way?

Sure, how?

I am sorry I can not answer that question Terre. Is it not possible to change the title from New Forum to New Forum for Caregivers? Just asking as I have never posted to start a new forum of any kind. I sometimes post replies to threads as I am doing here. Maybe Dave could help us. I just thought if it the word caregivers could be seen maybe other caregivers who have limited time like us could find it easier and express their thoughts. How is you Mother doing?

Good thought. I'll send an email and ask.

Mom is ok, but still wants someone to blame. Started out blaming the care people, but now has decided it is my fault, cause I selected the company. I don't have a problem with that, cause I did the best I could, and the doctors, nurses, and everyone involved were terrific. I can live with that.

I think it is a great idea...I would like to see how other people cope with the daily problems and situations..

Larkie

It seems there are a lot of folks at DG who are home taking care of loved ones, and DG has become a adjunct family and support system. We're not just here for gardening anymore -- we've become friends. I am not a caregiver (yet), but I can sure see where a forum would be a blessing to many here and a means of dispersing helpful information about a common need and passion.

I was my Mom's care giver and a forum to come to when I was so down would have been a great help.

Ruth

I didn't know that so many of us are caregivers.

I think a caregiver's forum at DG would be a good thing. I'm sure there are caregiver forums on the web, but I would never join one. I'm not a joiner. DG is the only organization I belong to (other than a mardi gras krewe, but I haven't participated in that in years and years).

I would support such a forum at DG.

Cheri'

While I no longer do the physical care of my mother now that she's in a nursing home, I have had lots of experience along the way. That's her journey from stroke, to home caregivers, to assisted living, to the nursing home.

She's slowly dying and it's quite stressful. I get some support on the Prayer Forum, but that's not really a place to talk about all the facets of care.

There are probably more of us here doing some kind of caregiving than we see.

I had no clue what to expect - feelings, responsibilities, etc. and really didn't feel there was anyone I could talk to. And no time even if there was someone available. Something like this could have been very helpful - someone to talk/relate to, an idea of what to expect, etc.

This would have been a huge asset to me while I took care of my grandmother during her last days (along with my mother and aunts). Sharing information about hospice, resources, medical equipment, different drug therapies, coping with the deterioration of a loved one's mental faculties and even the "signs" of death that hospice teaches. Nothing quite prepares you for this event in life, but a place to come "home" to for support would have been so wonderful.

Wow, I didn't even have to ask to change the name! Isn't DG terrific!

I got a lot of support from people here over at the Nightowls thread, but it didn't really belong there. Caring for a loved one is such a unique situation and there are more and more people dealing with this.

I am a 24 hour caregiver for my DH, have been 'crying' on everybody's
shoulder at Jokes and Chats as GW has said, they are great friends now over there but it would wonderful to learn from others how they cope
with so many problems one encounters with sick people
Maria

It would be a GREAT new forum....Dave....what do you think?? Jo

Dave... a forum for Caregivers has nothing to do with gardening... BUT it has a LOT to do with "Family" which we have become.

In an indirect way it does, Darius, some times DH asks to see the garden and what I did, he also watches the birds from the window where the birdfeeder is installed near the garden. For me, gareden work is very relaxing and I can watch him while he is out of doors sitting in his chair.
Maria

That looks like enough people, so I've created the forum! Enjoy it!

dave

Thank you, Dave. I hope I don't "need" it for a long time, but my heart's been with my friends here who do, so on behalf of them, I thank you.

You're a "gooden" Dave. Thanks Jo

I am not a caregiver, however I remember when my mother needed help with my dad who had Lou Gehrigs desease. After trying meay different agencies and having things stolen, broken, and the last one my dad said the young man was touching him inappropriatly, neither of my parents would have anyone else in the house.

I lived 400 miles away and could not just up and quit my job because I would eventually need retirement too. It was a real dilemma. My mother who was 5 feet tall and 90 lbs took care of my 189 lb father for 7 years using hoyer lifts etc. waking up every 2 hours to turn him. And having no time to herself. After this length of time and much thinking, I am sure something could have been done differently.

But, they are both gone now and I think of them both every day. It is a real hard row to hoe for you all but you know they are/will be up there thanking you for what you did.

Thanks Dave. You are much appreciated.

Thanks, Dave.

This one of those Forums we really don't want but need because of circumstances.

Link to new forum: http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/452662/

Thanks Dave

thank you Dave. I hope I won't need it again for several years, but I know how much it might have helped the first time, and how much it will help others now.