The Fearless Caregiver conferences that we host around the country usually start with an expert  Q and A panel.  On the dais will sit some of the locales best caregiving experts, from elder attorneys to care managers, social workers and even doctors.  This group of caregiving leaders is brought together to answer questions that the audience of family caregivers may present to them. Once the conversation starts rolling though, the room takes on a life of its own, with panelists and audience members answering each others questions and ideas, thoughts and wisdom tossed around from all corners of the room. For me, these are truly some of the most rewarding moments of the events.  I feel exactly the same way when a newsletter creates the type of opportunity for us to “share wisdom” with one another that last week’s email created. The following responses represent some of the strong feelings from all sides of the issue as well as excellent ideas, advice and commentary:   >
 

I was so sorry to hear of your experience with the Home Health Aide. You are very wise to give advice to check out any help that is hired as a caregiver….Continue

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I am sorry you had a bad experience with hiring a private individual to care for your grandparents….Continue

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I know the problem well Gary.  I went through a reputable agency and they sent me some of the most weird people I'd ever met….Continue

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I question why you feel that "good support" can also be found from independent agents when you have to…Continue

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My thanks to everyone who wrote in about this issue, I firmly believe that sharing our ideas, practices and advice with one another is the way we will best learn to care for our loved ones, clients and ourselves.

 

Gary Barg
Editor-in-Chief
gary@caregiver.com