Caring Bridge has been the perfect answer for me, especially in the months following diagnosis (CLL). One of the nicest things anyone has ever done for me.. Here are their ideas: We show up for the people we care about. We both are doing the best we can but some days we just dont know what to do. 6d Report this post Report Report. My desire to comfort and care for others in need can sometimes be more motivated by my needs than theirs. I am his transportation because even though he has an artificial leg, he cannot get out of the car to his walker by himself. Everyone is unique and will have a different set of needs, which means not every method of support will be the right one. When my husband was on ECMO, the other ECMO wives took me under their wing and not only fed me but informed me and were there to listen and encourage my heart. It might be just the thing they need to feel consoled. I live alone and I have Wilsons disease and movement disorder since January of 2004 I had meningitis since a baby where they drained fluid out my brain and I had to relearn everything as a child I was mistreated by by my mom called stupid never a mount to nothing at 15 I was molested by my stepdad my mom is still with him all my life I suffered with depression and anxiety there were times I wanted to take my life twice cause lack of support I was made fun of by my family cause I wasnt like them so now I my nerves have gotten bad to were my legs would buckle under me and I have tremors and jerking there were times that I had to go to the er and I would be ignored cause they would think I was doing it for attention that really hurts me I have a power chair it needed fixing since the third week of September Im on Medicaid and I suppose to get a loaner still waiting I dont drive I have a manual wheelchair the only ones that come is the nurse on Mondays and the aide on Mondays Wednesdays and Fridays for two hours I get Moms meals every other Thursdays I wear a lifeline button I have bars by the tub I dont get it unless someone is here to help me in and out otherwise I bathe using the hospital pan my cat snookie is my company keeper he helps with my depression and anxiety it would just be nice to be thought of sometimes you know if just to visit bring something to eat take for a ride or just call me and say hi. When my husband passed a few years later (in February), they even came to his Celebration of Life service., Being able to read about a loved one and their progress helps the person who is taking care of their loved ones and just share on CaringBridge. This support database is run by the United States Administration on Aging, connecting you with resources that you may be in need of. It is very important that you show up tooffer comfort and hopein atime of need, even if you dont know what the best methods are. Is there a support group for caregivers who are being abused? Creating a memory book or a journal for someone to look back on can bring them joy in the moment, and for years to come. Thank you so much for being there for me. Contact the site author for an invitation. Need help? You can search for support on their website, or call their toll-free phone number if you are in need of assistance. You have been a god send. Share a quick update, write a longer Journal entry, post a photo, or upload a video. Bring them your favorite funny movie or watch a comedy special together. But then the following June, a year after his first heart surgery he ended up with a fungal infection in his blood and had to have another surgery in june almost to the day of his last surgery. A friend who moved to Atlanta sent me a warm fuzzy bathrobe. Nearly, Better Business Bureau Accredited Charity. Family members abandoned my folks. Hi my Name is Diana I am making this Go Fund Me . Hes in VA and Im in CA. I honestly dont know where to turn. Start a Site Our Vision reflects how patients, caregivers, family and friends like you see CaringBridge: A world where no one goes through a health journey alone. By commenting you accept the CaringBridge Terms of Use and Privacy and Cookie Policy. Some webpage owners restrict access to members only. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I am caring for my 66 year old sister who suffers from stage 4 vulvar cancer, and also severe paranoia. CaringBridge is a nonprofit made possible thanks to individuals and families who donate. My stepdaughters bought and started a journal after my husband was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The entire Atlanta Colts team made signs. By commenting you accept the CaringBridge Terms of Use and Privacy and Cookie Policy. The Visitors page can be found either by clicking/tapping on the Visitors count on your home page under your cover photo or by clicking on Settings in the upper right hand corner of your cover photo and then clicking on Visitors in the navigation bar across the top. Are you a member of a support group that you found to be helpful? Faith communities or social groups are great places to start they often can even help with household tasks or by cooking meals for said person. If you have additional ideas for support, please share them with us. I live in Midland, Texas. No air travel for me. He is now a quadriplegic but his spirits have remained good throughout and his wife has been an angel, helping with ALL that needs to be done for him. Help out by sharing your comments below. CaringBridge also includes an effective planner where your loved one can request help with errands, chores and anything else they need. We have been married going on 55 years, but i think i am at the end of my rope. My husband was battling brain cancer. We turned to CaringBridge users, the real experts, to share caregiver support groups that theyve found to be helpful. I am suppose to take care of the house, me and then, too. By commenting you accept the CaringBridge Terms of Use and Privacy and Cookie Policy. My mother with an major operation. Share CaringBridge with a friend today. Working Daughter is a community for women that are juggling a career, becoming a caregiver and the rest of their lives all-in-one. Journal - force.com The article on how to comfort someone did not feel like it had taken into account our current situation with Covid-19. It was a great support system for him. My husband a stroke in July of 2021. This house is messy, but to tired to clean it with own health issues. You can stay connected to friends and family, plan and coordinate meals, and experience love from any distance. Im here for you is a good place to start. Dont expect them to be able to verbalize their feelings, wants or needs. Caring for aging parents can be a stressful, yet rewarding task. You can bring gifts for your loved one to share, such as treats, bath bombs or other self-care items. Family and friends are an amazing source of support, but constantly sharing updates with each and every one of them is impractical. For videos, social copy, and other brand materials, visit our brand resources page. Here are a few of our favorite options from CaringBridge users and thought leaders in the caring network: Founded in 2010 for Alzheimers disease, dementia and memory impairment support, Memory Peoples base goal is to provide support, education and awareness for caregivers. Dont give up, there are people who care. Whenyouregoing through a health journey, you have a lot on your plate. It is an easy and ad-free way to communicate health news to family and friendsall in one place. Showing up for someone is more than just what you say: its how well you listen. It is an easy and ad-free way to communicate health news to family and friendsall in one place. I can feel your pain and wish I could be there to give you an hour long hug. 9 Ways to Comfort Someone Who Needs It | CaringBridge I have to order groceries online, and never get out I gave up going back to church. I am very thankful this was made available to our family and friends. If theyre in the hospital, make sure to visit. So helpful to be guided rather than being so stunned by a friend or loved ones crisis that you cant imagine what to do. Excellent recap of all the ways one can help during stressful times. It has been 3 years and 10 months and I can still replay those stories in my mind knowing how much he meant to others brings warm memories to me., Share stories and not just at the funeral home. To learn more about the organizations we team with to provide extra help to CaringBridge users, visit our partner organizations page. New decor in the dining room, bathroom, master bedroom. We went on a final family trip. At the same time, you can change the first and last names if necessary. Some people choose higher privacy settings. All of this is ready for you when you start your personal CaringBridge site, which is completely free of charge, ad-free, private and secure. It helped cut down the constant phone inquiries about her progress. They tracked meds, visitors, gifts and special memories. I spend my time in my bedroom and thats it. He got through that but tests revealed he had calcifications around the valves to his heart. My adult daughter (who had her own home & family) put up my Christmas tree & decorations. My cousin Larry and his wife were amazing people. I was out of town at his bedside until he passed. A gift to CaringBridge supports free, private sites for anyone on a health journey. I recently sent a sympathy card to a mom whose daughter had passed away unexpectedly. Offering comfort to someone in need is one of the most important parts of helping someone through a difficult time. Saying I love you and giving them a hug is one of the most important things you can do. Creating a memory book or a journal for someone to look back on can bring them joy in the moment, and for years to come. Cleaning or mowing the lawn are two things you can do. We have the tools you need to navigate your health journey and are always adapting based on your feedback. How blessed I am. I try to do the best I can. When someone has lung cancer, theyre going to be around a lot of caregivers, visitors and fellow patients. I would also suggest that people pray to whatever they believe to be their Higher I appreciate all of your suggestions in dealing with people who need help in some way. Other than that, my social life evaporated many years ago. It can feel overwhelming sending out text and email updates to multiple friends and family members. Hes in VA and Im in CA. They provide support and assistance for you, and also your loved one if they are in need of mental health caregiver support, too. I also suggested that it might be time that an estranged family member visited. New to CaringBridge and wondering how to get started or how to find a loved one? To Trina D Smith: And one reader comment also hit home for me. Dont spend another minute alone! Online support groups for caregivers offer many benefits, including the ability to access them wherever you are. I could use a support group. I will always be grateful for their kindness.. It can be a powerful symbol of the support all around them. CaringBridge allows patients to update family and friends on their progress with an online journal. Thank you so much for being there for me. Im looking for an in person or online support group for myself who is a caregiver of a family member. CaringBridge is a nonprofit social network dedicated to helping family and friends communicate with and support loved ones during a health journey. Everyone is not entitled to, or interested in the same information. She is a beautiful caring and loving friend. This is the group for me . Youd sometimes think that the parents wouldnt remember a story because theyre in shock and might not react at the time theyre told, but Im proof that the stories honoring our son mean a lot, even 15 years later. Finding a supportive community either in-person or online can be a massive weight off of your shoulders, and can ease the, By commenting you accept the CaringBridge, 10 Soul Healing Tips to Prevent Caregiver Burnout, Caring for the Caregiver: 25 Ways to Care for Yourself, https://www.facebook.com/groups/875626959714922/?ref=share_group_link, National Family Caregivers Month: Everything You Should Know, 10 Soul-Healing Tips to Help Prevent Caregiver Burnout. It's a free, easy to use online journal for sharing health information with your family and friends. If you don't want to ask anybody for the link to the page and can't find a link on social media, CaringBridge's website suggests you refine your search with alternate spellings or nicknames the person might use. CaringBridge accepts gifts through workplace giving. He was my oldest brothers only child. Offering comfort to someone in need is one of the most important parts of helping someone through a difficult time. I still use it daily 7 years later. New decor in the dining room, bathroom, master bedroom. Hes a great guy. There are many ways to show someone you care. For cancer information, day-to-day help, and support, you can visit the American Cancer Societys Cancer Survivors Network (CSN) or call the Cancer Helpline at 1-800-227-2345. Our nonprofit Courage to Caregivers supports mental illness caregivers. Im having extremely difficult time creating a account. She sent me a note back telling me how much she appreciated that. I do people work 2 days per week which gets me out among clients. Dated the 26th of October 2022. New decor in the dining room, bathroom, master bedroom. My friends (a lot of them) came into my house before we returned and spruced the whole house. When it comes to knowing "what to say," "what to do," and getting through things no one should ever go through, the best source of advice and inspiration for CaringBridge users is often other CaringBridge users. Email address (will not be displayed in comment). Many caregivers find it helpful to listen to music. Holidays can be lonely, especially if they recently lost someone important in their lives. Whether it's used to track progress, share updates or send words of love, our community is here to support you. The entire Atlanta Colts team made signs. Add to your CaringBridge Journal as often as you need to keep everyone posted on your progress or write through the highs and lows of your healing journey. You can help your loved one make their own CaringBridge site or do it on their behalf. So I take care of them. A free CaringBridge website has all the tools you need to keep your family and friends updated during a difficult time. Thanks for this very helpful advice. I posted a site last week for my husband I seem to be the only one seeing it can you help? I will always be grateful for their kindness., My dad died right before Christmas. Setting up Ways to Help, including GoFundMe, Meal Train, and Planner tasks. There are so many ways to help a loved one who needs comfort and caring. It was so touching! I am a member of Support for Caregivers and would love for any to join our group just copy link above we would love to have you, Feeling low today mother is hallucinating more imagined other people are in the room or else the rooms are being changed around she is blind which doesnt help I either scare her when I reach out or she thinks I am someone else harder to get her to leave the house. We went on a final family trip. Email address (will not be displayed in comment). My friends (a lot of them) came into my house before we returned and spruced the whole house. When my husband moved to hospice care, he did not eat much. One way to offer support is to cook for your loved one and share a meal together. 17+ years later, I post updates (mostly blessedly boring) on the anniversaries of my diagnosis. Videos and other Media: To embed a YouTube video in a Journal entry or Well Wish message, click on the YouTube link and paste the video's YouTube URL address in the space provided. I think that a website that gives all concerned friends & relatives the same information, like a newsletter, is unsatisfying for the caregiver, and grossly depersonalizes the recipient of the care. If you know that this person has a favorite food or restaurant, purchasing a gift card can be another way to show you care. Stay strong., Just letting them know, you are there anytime day or night.. If the covid pandemic has taught us only one thing. CaringBridge Patient Websites - UChicago Medicine My husband even decided to write a note in it, which I will forever treasure.. I think it is also important to remember that sometimes those who want to provide comfort, need to be sensitive to the receiving individuals level of comfort with attention. See How it Works. Love it here and not ready to move yet.I think. 3 Things Every Person Wants to Know, From Founder of CaringBridge CaringBridge Staff |03.08.22 When you find out a friend or family member is in the hospital, you may be wondering what you can do to help out or cheer them up. While the easiest way to find someone on the site is to ask for a direct link or invitation, you can use the search option on the CaringBridge Website and mobile apps to search by the person's name or webpage name. We turned to the CaringBridge community to shed some insight on how to comfort someone you love, whether it be a friend, loved one or community member who is going through a difficult time in their lives. How blessed I am. EXCELLENT. A faith based group would not be a good fit. While we cant magically heal them, we can do many different things to offer them comfort and encouragement. Stressful . My mother with an major operation. I wanted to say to and that I care and pray for better health. Because so many people are on Facebook, it allows for a large amount of caregiver support groups to be created and utilized. Just be there to sit with them or hold a hand. It might be good to recognize the reality of todays situation and be sensitive to whihc items may not be appropriate right now. Be there, put your arm around them, rub their back these gestures can help them work through that moment in a bigger way than talking. Listen to Music. When my husband passed a few years later (in February), they even came to his Celebration of Life service., When I was in the hospital during one of my many rounds of brain surgery in 2005 and 2006, our family friend that also went to my church came to visit me and he brought the whole church youth group. Prayer can be a friend. Thank you Caring Bridge. Other ideas include tote bags, books or tea. There are actually scientific reasons behind this. Sometimes, a gift can simply be spending time with that person. With Whitepages people finder, you can search by name and quickly find phone numbers, addresses, email addresses, relatives, property records, background reports and more. ? Its important to let them do the talking, and to let them know that youll be there for them even if they dont feel like sharing their experience just yet. My motherand sister have been in and out of hospitals quite frequently in the last several years. Sometimes its nice to receive help, even if you dont ask for it. Those three little words, I love you, can make a bigger impact than you know. New decor in the dining room, bathroom, master bedroom. Sometimes all they may need is a hug, or maybe a little help with their day to day. Articles like this, featuring the experience of patients and family caregivers, are compiled by our staff. IT IS A PLEASURE TO RELIEVE SOMEONE OF THEIR TASKS SO THEY CAN FOCUS ON THE LOVED ONES CARE. I live in North Carolina and Troy is in Washington state, and there has never been a good time to visit him. When Natalie Bushaw was awaiting the arrival of her twin babies in 2003, she never dreamed shed be journaling about their health in 2022. A free CaringBridge website has all the tools you need to keep your family and friends updated during a difficult time. CaringBridge Site Search Can't Find What You're Looking For? You can even hold group meditation sessions in person or online for hope and comfort. From day-to-day errands to the specific chores created by your health journey, your to-do list is overwhelming. I moved home to care for them. What (or who) brings you comfort when youre feeling low? We were Blessed that so many cared but we were too exhausted and emotional to take the calls. Take the initiative to let them know they are not alone perhaps helping them decorate for the holidays or listening to their favorite songs. I have no life anymore. Before you can leave messages, read journal entries or donate money to someone, you need to find the person's CaringBridge webpage. I remember when my mother-in-law died someone from their church showed up with two large grocery bags filled with paper products. The two others items important to be was the hand made warm lap quilt for chemo treatments, and my first gift The Jesus Calling book, gave me peace. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Candi pasco.hello Tony .I wanted to say that I know its hurts but if anyone can its you.like you taught me.own.love.push..isnt your new grand baby girl so darn pretty ..can you have visitors yet .I just prayed for u tony..my little family is yours to and we need u .so get well soon ..lots of . Perhaps your loved one is having trouble doing their weekly grocery shopping or laundry. The two others items important to be was the hand made warm lap quilt for chemo treatments, and my first gift The Jesus Calling book, gave me peace. Listen to them, dont ask how are then walk away. Simply being there to give your loved one or friend a hug or to hold their hand can offer more support than you realize. Unlike other online platforms, privacynot profitis our main concern. Need some people in a similar situations to just spill to. Then click Add Link. Scott Spiker. Mom hides it in his food, otherwise he would not take it. I am now the caretaker for a husband with Parkinsons and have recently been diagnosed with a serious heart issue. Show up in the ways you know youd need it, if you were in their place. When it comes to knowing "what to say," "what to do," and getting through things no one should ever go through, the best source of advice and inspiration for CaringBridge users is often other CaringBridge users. Caringbridge site brought hope and encouragement during my Cancer journey in 2012-2013. These were items that my sister-in-law didnt have on hand, (the paper plates and plastic cutlery,) and though most people dont use these items on a daily basis, for a week of feeding an extended family it allowed my sister-in-law to visit with family and friends and not be constantly doing the dishes. Our Vision reflects how patients, caregivers, family and friends like you see CaringBridge:A world where no one goes through a health journey alone. We are a nonprofit that has been supporting health journeys for nearly 25 years. Our Vision reflects how patients, caregivers, family and friends like you see CaringBridge: A world where no one goes through a health journey alone. Thank you for the reminders of things to do to help console a friend going through a hard time. They just need you talk to them like a good friend. Caringbridge site brought hope and encouragement during my Cancer journey in 2012-2013. Thats my way of comforting my family and friends and others. Help them enjoy one of their favorite activities or genuinely compliment them. For some, there was repetition; for others, gaps in my story. He would ask for Chick-Fil-A chocolate milkshakes. Stay connected to family and friends through any health journey. All of this is ready for you when you start your personal CaringBridge site, which is completely free of charge, ad-free, private and secure. However, many find that without proper support, either from loved ones or caregiver support groups, it can be lonely and isolating. One of the biggest challenges about going through struggles is often the feelings of loneliness and isolation that accompany it. My motherand sister have been in and out of hospitals quite frequently in the last several years. My husband had lung cancer. Others can give encouragement and let them know you care., My Nephew Chip had a CaringBridge page, when he battled lung cancer at 47. You can stay connected to friends and family, plan and coordinate meals, and experience love from any distance. What is CaringBridge? | CaringBridge Getting the recommended amount of sleep (7-9 hours) can give you the rest you need to feel refreshed and fight compassion fatigue symptoms. Reminding your loved one of happier times can offer a massive amount of comfort for them. We are in social security, and I take care all bills. Such a simple gesture can tell someone that you are there for them, without saying anything at all. By visiting a CaringBridge website, you join over 300,000 people a day who are supporting friends and family members. Our Vision reflects how patients, caregivers, family and friends like you see CaringBridge: A world where no one goes through a health journey alone. When a loved one is diagnosed with lung cancer, its normal to feel at a loss for how to support them. Youre welcome to try any of these suggestions to nurture and inspire your loved one.