In 2009, the changes in my much loved 81-year-old, fiercely independent mother opened the door to the world of dementia. And so began our journey through doctors and tests, denial and advocacy.

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While all of this was taking place, I had a child in middle school, one in elementary school, was an officer on the PTA board, a Realtor, and had a husband with a job in which he traveled.  

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Trying to be in two places at once became my goal. In 2015, after a medical emergency that ended with our moving my mother immediately into our house, I was confronted by the overwhelming volume of information available but found little practical support in the world of dementia. 

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By that time, my oldest child was just starting senior year in high school, and my youngest was finishing middle school. The responsibility, isolation, guilt and stress all piled on as I tried to juggle how to continue to be involved with my family while I cared for and supported my mother, all the while living under the same roof. At times it felt like a sitcom I wasn’t sure anyone would watch.

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What I found in caregiving was the medical field didn’t have the answers. What works for one person may not work for another, everyone’s journey is unique. After three years of caring for my mother, I reached out for help, hired a caregiver and started a Daughterhood Circle support group in my area. Being with other women who were experiencing much of the same feelings and issues I was, inspired me to create Daughterhood The Podcast: For Caregivers.

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I have been fortunate to speak to experts in the field, as well as other caregivers who are trying to do the best for themselves and their loved ones. My goal was to not only survive caregiving but also provide some insight and information to help others along the way. This blog will not be only about caregiving though, I hope it will also empower and enlighten caregivers through dialogue, support and first-hand experiences. I believe you have to have something that you enjoy to keep you going, to give you air. I hope I can provide a little respite or company for you.