Hello Fellow Caregivers,

"What I wish I had know then...veterans speak" is the final section in the Caregiver's chapter of the OCF book, Getting Through It.

Those of you who are or have been caregivers are the experts, having been/are there. What advice or thoughts can you share, now, that would have helped you immensely if you had known it--then/earlier.

In our case, for me, it was about letting go and accepting help. Friends, family, co-workers all offered, which is often an almost automatic response when someone is in crisis. I finally realized that not only did I need the assistance, they needed to contribute. And so began my list--of chores, tasks, car-pool, etc. When someone said, "What can I do?" I began to tell them. It was hard at first, and not everyone was able to, but those that did are extra special to us.

I would also say to someone just beginning this journey, "find a way to release your emotions--often!", whether it's a good cry with a friend, a hard workout or whatever works. If you're going to be a good caregiver, you have to take care of yourself.

What do you know that would help someone else?
Thanks,
Charlotte