There are any number of reasons for becoming a caregiver. Most people are “suddenly” thrust into caregiving with absolutely no idea what to do when life changes for a loved one. To date, Allie’s served as a primary caregiver to four close family members and based on her experiences and statistics this probably won’t be the last time.
While there have been similarities in her situations, ONE SIZE DOESN’T FIT ALL. (She adds that’s why Baskin Robbins offers 31 Flavors.) There will always be differences and new information to be gained. However, one factor remains constant: YOU CAN’T DO THIS ALONE. You as a caregiver will sooner or later be swept downstream until you are sent over the edge.
Statistics show most people get overwhelmed and are not able to handle their own life. They might become resentful, lose the support of those around them who genuinely want to help but instead are pushed away. Some people worry that resources they need might be too costly when in reality, if they knew the facts might be available on a sliding scale fee or even free. And the worst of all possible scenarios (as if the above mentioned were not bad enough) is that they could end up getting sick and/or needing more care than the person they are caring for. DON’T LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOU!
Beginning as a teenager, Allie began caregiving for her father, and later her mother and mother-in-law simultaneously. When her sister-in-law died suddenly, Allie was once again pulled back into caregiving. From 2008 to 2018 she became a long-distance caregiver to her oldest brother who had Parkinson’s and resided in LTC (Long Term Care) assisted living on the east coast. He passed away in December 2018 while in hospice care. While it hasn’t been easy, she has learned with each experience how to make it easier, primarily by not going it alone. And by using professional and volunteer resources and above all learning how to GET HER “ASK” IN GEAR. No one can read your mind. However; as you learn how to ask for help you will get it!
At the time Allie was simultaneously caregiving for her mother and mother-in-law she underwent brain surgery. When she awoke she was half deaf and realized she would need time to recuperate and get used to her own new challenges. Now, the caregiver needed help. She was essentially a “dentist with cavities!” Allie subsequently learned about Geriatric Care Managers and how they could help manage both mothers respective care in her absence. It was just what the doctor ordered!
Allie shares the twists, turns and transitions of her caregiving experiences. She does this with genuine, relatable stories, a passion for learning, handling situations with a sense of humor and accepting what she can and can’t change. What sets her apart from other speakers? (Besides looking like Barbra Streisand.) She will share with you her successes, (and a few failures too) and if you can forget guilt and perfection—how you can survive and even thrive as a caregiver