The end of a caregiving journey brings a complex mix of emotions that can feel overwhelming and confusing. While grief is expected, many caregivers are surprised to experience relief after caregiving ends – a natural feeling that often triggers guilt. Understanding these emotions is crucial for healing and moving forward. Understanding the Mix of [...]

Alzheimer’s disease devastated our family when my mom, at just 67, was diagnosed in 2010 and passed away two years later. Living through her journey opened my eyes in ways I could never have anticipated. Through this post, I hope to share those insights, supported by the innovative Alzheimer’s Module from Embodied Labs, which [...]

When my mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2010 at the age of 69, it was my first up-close experience with Alzheimer’s. My mom’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis impacted every part of our family life. She passed away in 2012, and as I reflect on her journey, I’m grateful for resources like Caregiver Action Network (CAN) that [...]

Understanding Syngap1: A Sibling's Perspective My name is Paulina Polanco, and I am a Syngap1 caregiver to my two extraordinary 20-year-old twin sisters, Esperanza and Libertad—Espy and Libby. Their journey with this neurodevelopmental disease has transformed our family's understanding of love, resilience, and unconditional support. The Turning Point: When Syngap1 Became Real In 2020, our [...]

The Unexpected Journey of Alzheimer's No matter how much research you conduct about Alzheimer's disease, understanding its true impact remains impossible until it directly affects your family. My personal journey began in early 2017 when I first noticed unusual changes in my husband's behavior. By 2018, we received a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment [...]

I’ve watched the Chevy holiday commercial numerous times over the past few weeks.  From the first moment I saw the opening interaction between the grandmother and granddaughter, I’ve been enamored with the thoughtfulness put into creating this commercial.  So much so that we shared and discussed the video with employed caregivers as a [...]

Introduction to Family Caregiving Family caregiving involves providing unpaid assistance to family members or loved ones who need support due to illness, disability, or the effects of aging. If you find yourself running errands, helping with daily tasks, or managing medical appointments for someone you care about, you are a family caregiver. This role [...]

Diana is from Arizona and cares for her adult son, Jeff. Jeff experienced a lot of mental health challenges early in his life and was eventually diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. She is a long-distance caregiver, with Jeff living in another state, and she noticed the symptoms of TD when Jeff [...]