Your Life Is Important Too

Terry Lynch shares his personal insight on why it's important for carers to take care of themselves.

Author: Terry Lynch

In 1985 I became my mother’s caregiver. Leila Lynch, a Racine resident for most of her adult life, and retired teacher, had done well until her late 70s. Then rapid memory loss and injuries related to osteoporosis stole her ability to manage everyday life. I decided to move back to Racine from Washington, DC where I was working with the federal government.

We were housemates for the next 10 years, with support from state programs that enabled us to bring invaluable assistance into our home - from a homecare agency and self-employed personal care workers. I was able to work as a part-time consultant. My mother passed away in 1995.

At first, my mother’s healthcare crises dominated our lives. But life improved as I became a better advocate. We began bringing help into our home and I learned some additional keys to taking care of myself - keys that benefited us both.

Of course, exercise, a good diet and sleep were essential. I also learned that caregivers must focus on protecting emotional well-being. 

In addition to getting help with caregiving:

Terry is a specialist on Empowered Ageing at Connections, a Wisconsin Self-Determination Support Agency. You can read more from Terry in his excellent book But I Don't Want Eldercare! here.


The publisher is the Centre for Welfare Reform.

Your Life Is Important Too © Terry Lynch 2018.

All Rights Reserved. No part of this paper may be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher except for the quotation of brief passages in reviews.

Article | 13.08.18

health & healthcare, social care, USA, Article

Terry Lynch

USA

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