Handling being a caregiver for a spouse in your home

[KennethS513537]

Dear Ma'am or Sir.

I consider myself a rookie when it comes to being a caregiver to my spouse.

I'm wondering - is there a place in Central Ohio where caregivers can get together once

in awhile - and share with each other how caregiving affects their mental health.

Has there every been created a group - locally, regionally, and/or nationally called

CA (Caregiving Anonymous) - similar to AA (Alcoholic Anonymous) or what a groug

maybe called DA (Drug/Substance Abuse Anonymous) in the Central Ohio area.

Respectfully,

Kenneth Stalder

U.S. Army Veteran & Patriot

[mcgrewkb]

Kenneth,

I know it's hard. Call your Area Agency on Aging (AAA). They can help you with this question and ideas for other support. Depending on just where you live in central Ohio, your AAA will be one of these identified in the following link:

https://aging.ohio.gov/about-us/who-we-are/area-agencies-on-aging

I wish you and your spouse well.

[Rockhound2]

>>

'm wondering - is there a place in Central Ohio where caregivers can get together once

in awhile - and share with each other how caregiving affects their mental health.<<

I had this very same problem but my wife's illness occurred during covid and the (very active) forum I mentioned above was holding no in-person meetings (the forum had regional branches). I would like to have interacted with folks in person but everything was online at the time. Even so, it was a godsend.

Things became so intense that anxiety and depression became a real problem for me so I got my doctor to prescribe some light meds. Unfortunately I waited way too long to do this because my wife died exactly one day after taking those meds. I'm convinced that had I started taking them sooner, I might have done a better job of taking care of my wife.

[Rockhound2]

Kenneth, I have been through your difficult journey. My wife was ill with ALS for about 2 years before dying. I found an internet ALS forum that had a specific subforum for caregivers. It was a great help to know that I was not alone with this. It was also very valuable for getting tips with care and resources.

Perhaps there is a disease specific forum like I found that could help you with your spouse. Google is you friend for this. Wish you luck in finding help.

[JanetR709240]

Hi Kenneth, I am not in Ohio, but in Oklahoma.  But I feel you need.  I wished there was a CA group.  I am struggling here by myself.  It is a tough road we are on.  Janet R

[SherylK268455]

Hi Janet, I'm in Oklahoma too and caring for my husband who has liver cancer with end stage liver disease.  I too feel the need to connect with others who are caregivers. My journey began in April, 2024 and gets more challenging as time and treatments continue.  I don't know how to connect with you on here, but just know you are not alone.  Sheryl

[JanetR709240]

Sheryl, Thank you for your reply. I can only imagine how hard it is for you with you husband's diagnosis. My husband's doctors are now in Plano cause my husband was life-flighted there.  I meet myself going and coming some weeks as I am sure you do too.  I am so thankful you reached out.  I was feeling a bit overwhelmed.  But am bucking up.  You helped.