2006 "Give a Caregiver a Break” RUNNER-UP
"God Is My Strength"
My husband Lewis and I live in our home together, just the two of us. Up until 1989 life was good to us. We both were healthy, happy and content. Then Lewis was diagnosed with a spinal problem and walking became difficult. Gradually, self-care became challenging. Now memory, as well, is a problem for Lewis. But I am lucky; at 86, I still have my health and have been caring for Lewis these past 17 years.
Recently, though, I find I am tiring more easily and don’t have the stamina to keep up caring for Lewis and the house by myself. My niece has been helping me lately, vacuuming and dusting weekly, and I appreciate her help. She also drives us to appointments and takes me to the grocery store.
I do the cooking and laundry and help Lewis. I stay with him while he bathes. It takes him a long time, but I know it is best if he does what he can for himself. I do dress Lewis, as it causes him too much pain and he is off balance. I give him his medications daily, too.
Lewis always loved to do the yard work, but he cannot now. He thinks he can, and I let him think so because it makes him feel better. I have hired a person to do our yard work as I, too, can no longer do it.
Our physicians and nurses think we are doing okay, but see that I am tiring. My nurse asked me what my secret is to being 86 years old and still caring for myself and Lewis. I told her that God is my strength; I know He would never send me more than I could handle, and that He would help me find a way for Lewis and I to stay together in our home. My nurse is going to try to see if there is any help for us in our community, but there is going to be some cost involved. We are not poor, but we are not rich, so I have to be careful with our money so it will last to keep us in our home together.
I appreciate your listening to my story. I hope that we can get a little help with keeping up the house, and especially help for Lewis. I don't get out to church anymore since it takes a lot of my energy to care for him, but Lewis and I watch the preachers on television and listen to hymns. I don’t want to impose on my niece with any more requests since she works as well as helps us. I believe that, with some help, Lewis and I can go on living in our home. My husband and I thank you for any help you can give us. God bless you.
—Bertha Crump, Brookpark, OH