I Am A Family Member

 I have entrusted my mother, father, grandparents, sister, brother, or friend to your care.

I am a family member.

My loved one has cancer, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, bipolar or a variety of other health conditions.

I am a family member.

At the end of each day, I feel exhausted, angry, frustrated, lonely, sad, and scared.

I am a family member.

I need your expertise, compassion, understanding, and guidance to help me walk this journey with my loved one.

I am a family member.

I don’t need you to judge, scold, or label me as a problem because I am having a hard time dealing with the decline of my loved one.

I am a family member.

I am grieving as I watch my loved one slowly succumb to their illness.

I am a family member.

I appreciated all the caregivers who have taken the time to get to know my loved one and what works and doesn’t work when they are struggling.

I am a family member.

As you come to assist my loved one, know they were once a vibrant individual with a family who loves them. Although you may view them only as a “resident,” they have lived long lives as valuable community members. When you care for each of your residents, don’t look at all they have lost over time. Instead, please take the opportunity to learn from their experiences. If you do this, you will find more time to explore new possibilities for your life and can influence future generations!

Cheryl J. Wilson, M.S.

Advocacy 4 Seniors