This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Elizz for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.
One of the most rewarding experiences I have been fortunate to have was to live with my grandmother, my Nana, in Nova Scotia. We were far away from my immediate family, who were back in Ontario, so it could get lonely at times. My aunt lived with us and was the primary caregiver for Nana, but as it was just the two of us, I also played a role in providing care and comfort. Growing up I only got to see my grandparents in the summer, so living with Nana, in close quarters, was a completely new experience, not only for me, but for her and my aunt.
Looking back I have fond memories of the happy times; playing cards with Nana, laughing at her hearing aid which would buzz at crazy times and I am even filled with love when I recall how she would compliment my gentle hand when it was my turn to administer her daily injections of insulin. The good times we had far outweighed the difficult times, but they were not to be ignored. Caregiving takes on a new meaning when you are bathing your elderly relative, providing a lot of help in the bathroom or just holding their hand as they cry for their lost loved ones. I never expected I would be giving my grandmother a needle, let alone helping with her toilet and cleaning needs. I am sure my aunt never expected that either, but that’s what you do for those you love, right?
Powered by Saint Elizabeth Health Care, the Elizz platform is here to help Canadian caregivers with every aspect of this daunting job they face. Elizz provides resources that many will not even think they need. When my aunt and I were living together we often argued over things that were related to my grandmother’s care. The arguing stemmed from a common desire to provide the best care for her, but now I can recognize that it also came from feeling overwhelmed, underappreciated and even inadequate at times. Elizz has a whole host of articles available that offer suggestions on how caregivers can take better care of themselves so that they can in turn, be better caregivers to their loved one.
Whether you are taking the journey by yourself or know of someone who has already embarked in the caregiving role, Elizz is the place to visit for all of your caregiving needs. You are not alone.
FT&PD
Suz
A great resource to know about, thanks for sharing!
It is a hidden gem of information Laurie. I hope it can help someone out.
A great post and vital for those who are caregivers, thanks so much. Unfortunately a lot of elderly people at some stage also have to go into homes because these days both husband and wife work and no one can give them the surveillance that is often needed. I’d like to believe that everyone has the right to die in their own home supported by family and friends and was pleased to read that many do spend a lot of their time looking after their elderly relatives, I take my hat off to them it is definitely not an easy task.
It is sad to think you work your entire life only to possibly not have control over your remaining time. The caregivers are quite heroes and it is great that they have a special place to find their our help and resources.
This sounds like a great resource to get your questions answered and a whole bunch more!!
It really is a wonderful tool!
Thanks for all of the helpful info! As you mentioned caregiving for a loved one is something that you always think you MAY need to do one day but when the day comes you’re certainly not prepared. I’m happy to see that their is a support system for caregivers because their sanity is just as important as the person they’re trying to help.
What a great resource! Thanks for the introduction, because I hadn’t heard of the site before. And you’re right, becoming a caregiver can be sudden, it can blindside you, and it can swallow up your life.
Excellent article, Suzanne! I had never hear of this new service, and as so many have said, one never knows when they will be called upon to assist another with special care. I particularly liked your sharing your own memories! Thank you for the ‘heads up’ on Elizz! Hummmm question, is this service limited to the area where you live, or is it province wide? Am I allowed to share this article with the 700 residents of my retirement community? Thanks for your anticipated answers!
My grandma is now in the later stages of dementia. This platform would have been a huge help for us. My grandpa has been her primary caregiver, but he’s in his mid-90s so it’s been a huge job for him. My aunt helps when she can but travels often and lives an hour away so can’t always been there for the daily things that wear on my grandpa. I’m a province away, so I’ve noticed huge differences in Grandma every time we go back to visit… but I don’t know what to do to help. Thanks for sharing this resource. Grandma is now in a home getting better care but it took a while to get there.
I wish that this had been around sooner. When I was helping to care for my Mom before she passed away there wasn’t much out there at all really. It was sad and hard to fumble around looking for resources. I think that this makes sense and is a very useful service for many. Caregiving is exhausting and rewarding too BUT it shouldn’t be harder than it needs to be as a result of resources like this one!
I was a caregiver to my father in law already before he passed. It was a humbling experience and I’m sure I’ll be doing it again someday when my parents are of that age. Thanks for this resource which may make it easier.
A great resource since there are so many caregivers and always will be.
I have some friends who are becoming caregivers and it sounds like it can be a difficult at times job.