"From studies on caregivers over the last thirty years, the Rosalynn Carter Institute estimates that about a third of family caregivers decline in health and well-being and age prematurely. Another third adapt to the stresses with varying degrees of success. Many do learn new skills and become more empowered in all areas of their lives. And another third say their lives have been enriched by acting as family caregivers," Gail Sheehy.
The institutes's director, Dr. Richard Birkel goes on to say, "We don't understand what distinguishes each of these three groups, but is is definitely not just income."
So, let us be among the 1/3 whose lives are enriched by this experience of being dementia caregivers. I think some ways we can do this is to: decide what our main priorities are and to be sure to include our own well being among them; to have a circle of people who support us; to have times of respite; to have fun; to focus on the positive, to make sure we eat well, get enough sleep, fun and exercise.
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