During the month of November, the Valley Caregiver Resource Center and the OASIS Adult Day Program celebrate our family caregivers for their sacrifices and continued support for their loved ones.
“Family caregivers are the backbone of our Nation’s long-term care system, doing essential work with devotion, often at great emotional and financial cost. We owe them. It is time to bring their service out of the shadows and celebrate and support them in living their own happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives.” – US President Joseph R. Biden Jr.
The Oasis Adult Day Program introduces you to Donna. Donna has been a caregiver for her mother Loretta who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in February 2021. Donna and her mother Loretta have been a part of the Caregiver Resource Program since August 2021 and OASIS since its re-open in 2022.
What does keeping your mom home mean to you?
It means that I am honoring her wishes of never placing her in a “home”. She first voiced this wish when I was a young woman and has brought it to mind throughout the years.
What is a memory you hold onto and/or treasure?
My mother was driven and resilient when she became widowed as a young woman. She had 3 children and no family. She was an amazing example of strength and tenacity as she worked, raised (and managed) three children. She is my absolute hero.
What keeps you going through difficult times?
Knowing that difficult times are temporary. Very similar to raising children in that difficult times are part of living a life. Also, it’s not only difficult for the caregiver, is difficult for the loved one too.
What message do you have for other caregivers such as yourself?
To be your very best, the position of caregiver has to be “chosen”. Reluctance or feeling relegated upon diminishes the growth and closeness that is possible. Be honest, if you truly cannot choose it, make it known and seek other options.