Several years ago, I met Claudia, a remarkable caregiver, at a conference in Wisconsin. In the morning, I had spoken about how caregiver fatigue contributes to anger and a multitude of other physical and mental challenges. 

At lunch, Claudia told me how she planned to get a little relief from caring for her husband, whose needs were ever-increasing because of Parkinson’s Disease. 

I hope you’ll take one minute to watch this very funny cartoon based on Claudia’s  plan to get a little rest. 

Claudia used humor to help her cope with a stressful situation, but I believe she really had considered doing something desperate in order to get some relief from her caregiving duties. 

If Claudia’s plan makes sense to you, and if you think that going to prison might be a viable alternative to continuing to care for your loved one, please find a way to get some respite. If you need help locating resources in your area, Google Eldercare.acl.gov. 

Thought for the Day 

"I understand that humor is a great coping skill. I will look for reasons to laugh, but I recognize that there is nothing funny about extreme caregiver fatigue. If I start fantasizing about ways to escape, I will find a way to get some respite and relief from my caregiving duties."