From celebrities and professional caregivers to everyday people taking care of loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s, dementia and other illnesses, here are the stories that left us feeling hopeful and gave us a renewed appreciation for caregivers.
March 3rd is Caregiver Appreciation Day! Guideposts is highlighting some of the inspiring stories about caregivers we’ve done over the years. From celebrities and professional caregivers to everyday people taking care of loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s, dementia and other illnesses, here are the stories that left us feeling hopeful and gave us a renewed appreciation for caregivers.
1 of 10 Courtney B. Vance Relies on Faith, Family in Caring for Mother
Courtney B. Vance is a celebrated actor – he just took home an Emmy for his work in The People vs. O.J. Simpson – but the star has an even more important job: caregiver. Vance’s mother suffers with ALS and the actor has been her caretaker through the long and difficult journey of her illness, but it’s his love for his wife and their strong bond that has made the responsibility of caretaking easier to bear.
Hear how the experience has brought Vance’s family closer together: http://bit.ly/2lrU4iO
2 of 10 Caring for a Father After Heart Surgery
Her dad had Type 2 diabetes and was scheduled for open heart surgery. He came out fine but with a change to his medication: he’d need insulin injections now, ones she had to give him. The only problem? She was terrified of needles. The experience of helping her dad with his shots drew them closer and ended up strengthening her own faith.
Marni’s mom was always bubbly and positive, so when she got a call saying her mother wasn’t doing well, she panicked. Depression is a hidden problem for the aging but Marni never thought her outgoing, fun-loving mother would suffer from it. She decided to do something drastic and rely on her faith to help her mom find herself again.
Lifestyle guru and restauranteur B. Smith was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s at 64. See how she and her husband and business partner are fighting back.
Her dad was strong and independent. He loved on his 100-acre ranch in western Oregon—God’s country, as he called it. He loved driving his truck, cooking, taking care of his beloved horse, Cotton, even digging postholes. But his stroke left him unable to walk or swallow. He could barely speak. His inspiration for getting better was returning to the place he loved. Could she help him get there?
Singer Amy Grant shared her story of taking care of her dad who suffers with dementia. She says that though her father’s mind is slowly deteriorating, the family’s bond is stronger than ever and her dad’s condition has taught her a lesson in faith and hope.
She had been her husband’s caretaker for nearly four years but when he died, she was shocked to discover she actually missed caregiving. It gave her purpose and a renewed sense of faith. So she began volunteering at a community center in town. Now, she’s sharing her gift of taking care of others with those who need it most.
9 of 10 Restoring a Marriage After Years of Caregiving
Married for thirty years, this couple lost themselves in caregiving for their parents and addicted son. Would they be able to find their way back to each and restore the love that brought them together so many years ago?
