Caring Today Blogs

HOSPICE: DAY ONE

Posted on: November 21st, 2008

Debbie gives thanks and "kisses" to their long-time family doctor as hospice for her father begins in the latest post of My So-Called (Caregiver) Life.

SO, WE WENT HOME

Posted on: November 6th, 2008

After making a brave decision, Debbie continues the story in My So-Called (Caregiver) Life. Here, with hospice approved and in place she takes her father home.

EVENTUALLY, OUR PARTS WEAR OUT

Posted on: October 24th, 2008

Debbie comes to a crossroad in caring for her father and makes a brave decision, as described in her latest post in My So-Called (Caregiver) Life.

My So-Called (Caregiver) Life

Alaskan Debbie Newsham is a first-prize winner of Caring Today's 2006 "Give a Caregiver a Break" essay contest. She was "called into action" when her mother developed end-stage liver failure and was no longer able to care for Debbie's father (who has Alzheimer's) and grandmother (who was in a nursing home). Now, with help from her husband and three children, Debbie cares for her dad while holding down a job and serving as an advocate for caregiver rights and services, including her work with AGENET (Alaska Geriatric Exchange Network), a coalition of providers of adult daycare, nursing homes, assisted-living facilities and more. For Debbie's off-site blog, click here.