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Caring Today Blog

My So-Called (Caregiver) Life

Debbie Newsham

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.

THE 12 DAYS OF CAREGIVING

Posted by Debbie on: December 23rd, 2008

For her lastest post of My So-Called (Caregiver) Life, sing along with Debbie, all ye caregivers...

 

On the first day of Christmas, my loved one gave to me...

The chance to live what love means.

 

On the second day of Christmas, my loved one gave to me...

Two sets of prescriptions, and the chance to live what love means.

 

On the third day of Christmas, my loved one gave to me...

Three panic attacks, two sets of prescriptions, and the chance to live what love means.

 

On the fourth day of Christmas, my loved one gave to me...

Four temper tantrums, three panic attacks, two sets of prescriptions, and the chance to live what love means.

 

On the fifth day of Christmas, my loved one gave to me...

Five calls to 911, four temper tantrums, three panic attacks, two sets of prescriptions, and the chance to live what love means.

 

On the sixth day of Christmas, my loved one gave to me...

Six visits to the doctor, five calls to 911, four temper tantrums, three panic attacks, two sets of prescriptions, and the chance to live what love means.

 

On the seventh day of Christmas, my loved one gave to me...

Seven care coordinators working, six visits to the doctor, five calls to 911, four temper tantrums, three panic attacks, two sets ofprescriptions, and the chance to live what love means.

 

On the eighth day of Christmas, my loved one gave to me...

Eight respite angels, seven care coordinators working, six visits to the doctor, five calls to 911, four temper tantrums, three panic attacks, two sets of prescriptions, and the chance to live what love means.

 

On the ninth day of Christmas, my loved one gave to me...

Nine extra-strength Advil, eight respite angels, seven care coordinators working, six visits to the doctor, five calls to 911, four temper tantrums, three panic attacks, two sets of prescriptions, and the chance to live what love means.

 

On the tenth day of Christmas, my loved one gave to me...

Ten bathroom oopsies, nine extra-strength Advil, eight respite angels, seven care coordinators working, six visits to the doctor, five calls to 911, four temper tantrums, three panic attacks, two sets of prescriptions, and the chance to live what love means.

 

On the eleventh day of Christmas, my loved one gave to me...

Eleven hugs and kisses, ten bathroom oopsies, nine extra-strength Advil, eight respite angels, seven care coordinators working, six visits to the doctor, five calls to 911, four temper tantrums, three panic attacks, two sets of prescriptions, and the chance to live what love means.

 

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my loved one gave to me...

Twelve "I love you's," eleven hugs and kisses, ten bathroom oopsies, nine extra-strength Advil, eight respite angels, seven care coordinators working, six visits to the doctor, five calls to 911, four temper tantrums, three panic attacks, two sets of prescriptions, and the chance to live what love means.

 

Happy Holidays to you and yours from way up North!

 

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