From the November 1998 Issue

ost of what we read and hear regarding caregiving is about the problems and difficulties. I think we have forgotten to assess some of the positive things surrounding caregiving. Caregivers do have things to be thankful for. Here are a few I've thought of:

I'm thankful that caregivers now have better options in finding the care their loved one needs…better kinds of care facilities; better training for those who care, especially for those with Alzheimer's; better resources to turn to; better support; better understanding of the task of caregiving.

I'm ever so thankful for teachers like Moyra Jones who are making such a tremendous difference - teaching us a better way to care for those with dementia.

I'm thankful for those who advocate without ceasing for the needs of caregivers - making legislators listen and then write laws that make the caregiving journey more bearable.

I think it is appropriate that the National Family Caregivers Week is in November. How thankful I am for people like Suzanne Mintz and Cynthia Fowler who have brought the needs of all family caregivers to the public front.

Most of all, I am thankful for the experience of caregiving - it has enriched my life in ways I could never have imagined. Life might have been easier without the experience, but it certainly would not have been richer.

Contact Care Tender at: victoria@caretender.com