Last fall, I wrote about Richard, Robert and I participating
in a caregiving study about our caregiving day.
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| Robert's View: Part of his grooming routine |
Robert has volunteered for studies his entire life – for medication,
the Vagus Nerve Stimulator, the Deep Brain Stimulator – anything that might
help him and others with uncontrolled epilepsy.
Robert was more than willing to participate in this study about
caregivers and we were excited as well.
Rajiv and Dawn made it very easy and even though it sounds
like it would be intrusive (cameras, home monitoring devices, keeping a log of
activities), it really wasn’t. We
quickly forgot about the cameras and went about our caregiving day.
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| Robert's View: Watching Trish organize his weekly meds |
As I wrote in September, the dozens of interruptions throughout
our caregiving day is mind-boggling! Caregivers know this but until I saw it on
paper I did not really realize the extent of how much we juggle between (and in
spite of) the interruptions.
Fourteen families participated in this study and each one is
a fascinating and eye-opening read. The results of this pilot program are out
and can be read here. (Our story is here.)
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| Robert's View: Richard waiting for Robert |
If you are not a caregiver, I encourage you to read each and
every one of these stories to get a sense of the vast amount of caregiving
being done. If you are a caregiver, you will definitely relate to these
stories!
On a personal note, I would like to thank Rajiv, Dawn and
Celine Takatsuno (who we have worked with throughout the publishing
process). They are doing great things
for caregivers and truly care about our day and what would help make our day a
little easier.
We all need that extra help and support in our busy, crazy
caregiving days.
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| Trish's View: Helping Robert |
