![]() Life can be a rollercoaster, and for many of us, it's our loved ones who ride beside us, offering support through the ups and downs. This is especially true when it comes to mental health challenges. In this blog post, we'll explore the perspective of one of our clients, who struggles daily with bipolar disorder, severe depression, and suicidal thoughts, and her daughter's life-long struggle to care for herself, her mother and the invisible illness that haunts her. A Daughter's Perspective (Renee’s fight to help her mother): The Emotional Struggles Growing up, my mother was my hero. She was strong, vibrant, so smart and full of life. However, from her first hospitalization for debilitating depression when I was only 10-years old, our relationship reversed rolls, as I took on the roll of parent. The conflicting emotions I still struggle with, between anger that she couldn’t take care of me when I really needed it (and still do sometimes), and my fear of losing my beautiful mom to her inner demons will always be a haunting presence in my life. It was a painful realization that she was battling something much larger than herself - and it became my responsibility to care for her, at an age when I still needed caring for. But, I have also been a touch envious of her ability to check out from reality with annual vacations in the psych ward. Cue the 1966 classic Funny Farm lyrics: “They´re coming to take me away, Haha, they´re coming to take me away, Ho ho, hee hee, ha ha, To the funny farm Where life is beautiful all the time And I´ll be happy to see Those nice young men In their clean white coats And they´re coming to take me AWAY, HA HAAAA” But alas, I have always been too busy trying to hold everything together to fully let go of my sanity enough to earn a paid vacation in the Loonie bin. I joke, but in all seriousness, witnessing a parent’s mental health deteriorate often feels like you are drowning and the only life preserver available is a warped sense of humor. It's a constant balancing act between supporting them, worrying about their safety, trying to maintain your own well-being (and your own kids/spouse, etc...), desperately needing support, but refusing to admit that you can’t do it alone. If that isn’t enough, you also worry others might believe you are tainted with the “crazy” gene. It’s best to paint a perfect picture of your family and make excuses for your mom’s crazy behavior that nobody believes anyways. The Power of a Support Network: A Lifeline During these challenging times, I discovered that having a support network is a lifeline. Friends, family, and support groups/programs became pillars of strength. They offered me a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, someone to laugh with, and guidance on navigating the turbulent waters of mental illness. Their unwavering support reminded me that I was not alone in this journey. The Role of In-Home Care Companies: Enter Sunshine Coast Senior Care Amidst the chaos, when the rest of my mother’s friends and family had given up, I found a beacon of hope in the form of Sunshine Coast Senior Care. Their mantra of “no senior left alone” has evolved in my mind to “nobody left alone”, as their deep caring and empathy extends beyond just helping seniors to also include those struggling with mental health issues and their families. Companionship and Care: A Vital Combination Sunshine Coast Senior Care offered both my mom and I something priceless– companionship and care. Their dedicated staff visit my mother twice a week, ensuring she is taking care of herself. They gently, but firmly encourage her get up and into the shower, to eat properly, help with chores, get her outside for fresh air, vitamin D and exercise, etc… but most importantly, they provide her with companionship, and have gained her trust and confidence. These seemingly minor acts have gigantic effects that ripple through our lives, lifting some of the burden I have carried alone for decades, including the gut-wrenching guilt when I just don’t have anything left to give my mom, when she is in pain. Emergency Support: A Lifesaver In those urgent moments when I simply cannot be there for my mother, whether because of physical distance or just emotionally spent, knowing there is a team ready to help, provides immense relief for both of us. During times of crisis, the staff at Sunshine Coast Senior Care have been just a phone call away. Charlene, Michelle, and Laurie have all jumped into action with open hearts to help my mother; without judgement that I had nothing left for her in that moment. Conclusion: A Journey of Resilience Supporting a loved one battling mental health challenges is an arduous journey. But with the right support network and professional care services like Sunshine Coast Senior Care, it's a journey we can navigate together. My mother's story is one of resilience and hope, a testament to the power of love, companionship, and professional compassionate support. As we continue to stand by our loved ones through their battles, let's remember that there is strength in seeking help, in reaching out and admitting we can’t do it alone, and in the unwavering bonds of our support networks. Together, we can be the safety net that saves lives and brings light to the darkest of days. Anonymous Client of Sunshine Coast Senior Care
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![]() Why Seniors Are Vulnerable to Scams Seniors can be more susceptible to scams due to a combination of factors, including isolation, trust, and cognitive decline. They often don't understand the new technology and how easily they can be compromised, for example, with just a click on a link in a phishing email. Recognizing these vulnerabilities is the first step in protecting them from potential scams. ![]() Common Scams Targeting Seniors To effectively protect seniors from scams, it's essential to be aware of the types of scams that are prevalent:
The Role of Family & Caregivers (including professional In-Home Care providers) It is so important for family and caregivers to help educate the seniors in their care, take extra steps to ensure they are well protected, and keep a vigilant watch if they see or hear anything suspicious. At Sunshine Coast Senior Care, our Registered Care Aides and Nurses are more than just caregivers; they are trusted companions who are often deeply connected with the seniors they assist. Here's how we can all work together to protect our seniors from scams:
Here are some actionable tips for families and caregivers to work together in preventing seniors from falling victim to scams:
_______________________________________________________ ![]() Post by Lisa McGregor, CFO, Sunshine Coast Senior Care lisa@sunshinecoastseniorcare.com If you are interested in learning more about our in-home care services or want to book a free consultation with us, please visit our website at https://sunshinecoastseniorcare.com/ or call 1-800-783-1913. We are here to help you and your senior loved one stay safe and comfortable during these challenging times. |
Coast CareCoast Care Ltd. owners, nurses, and Registered Care Aides all contribute to providing up-to-date news and information on staying health, active, and in charge of your life/health. From Whistler to the Sunshine Coast, British Columbia. Archives
November 2023
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