Caregiver Feature
Here at Premier, we are inspired every day by the progress our patients make. Some days are setbacks, some are small wins, and some are big wins…those are our favorite! Regardless of which type of day it is, every single time our patients show up marks a part of this journey to a better quality of life.
However, there is an often forgotten part of these journeys that we want to recognize this month: Caregivers. Just as our patients inspire us, so too do those who give so much of their lives to caring for their loved ones!
For the month of November, we spoke with three amazing caregivers, and we want to share their stories, as they deserve to be recognized. Please join us in appreciating their selflessness, drawing strength from their strength, and celebrating them for the heroes they are!
Kim Wolter
Kim is the primary caregiver for her husband Steve!
1) What is the greatest challenge as a caregiver?
This question is the hardest for me – I know my greatest challenge, it’s just hard to put into words. Figuring out what is the right thing to do. As a caregiver, you’re expected to be the doctor, the nurse, the therapist, the trainer, the dietitian, and wear many other hats with little or no training. The internet is a great resource, but a lot of days it’s hard to find the time to even shower let alone get online. It has definitely been a learning experience and thankfully, Steve is very forgiving when a doc says why haven’t you done this or that and I’m sure I’m just staring into space thinking WHAT…….no one told me about that. The good news is that it gets easier – whether it’s because Steve is doing better or because I’m finally catching on
2) What is the greatest reward as a caregiver?
The greatest reward for me is to see the progress Steve is making each and every day. It may be something as small as turning the remote off correctly, but it’s still something. When friends come to visit, they comment on Steve’s progression, and say that I probably don’t see it since I’m with him every day – but, thankfully, every day I see something that he does that he wasn’t doing the day before and it melts my heart.
3) What is a thought/words of wisdom you would share with another care giver?
Don’t be so hard on yourself – when doctors and others say “Why haven’t you been doing such and such?” or “I could have helped him more if I had seen him sooner” or other insensitive remarks, just remember you’re only human and there are only so many hours in a day. And I’m sure, like me, you’re doing the very best you can to care for the one you love and tomorrow is always another day.
4) If you had a day to spend alone and money was not a limitation, what would you do for those 24 hours?
SLEEP!!!
5) Where do you find your encouragement and/or strength?
Every morning I try to get up an hour or so before the day starts with Steve to read my Bible, pray, and just have some quiet time – our faith in God is definitely what has gotten us this far!
Lisa Beerse
Lisa is the primary caregiver for her husband Pete!
1) What is the greatest challenge as a caregiver?
I think the greatest challenge is always being available for Pete or making sure he has the necessary care with him. It creates an underlying sense of responsibility that makes it harder to be independent and spontaneous.
2) What is the greatest reward as a caregiver?
Before Pete’s accident it seemed like our carefree time together was very limited. Now we get to spend a lot more quality time with each other which has strengthened our marriage and family life.
3) What is a thought/words of wisdom you would share with another caregiver?
Be patient with yourself and focus on the good things and not the hard things. It’s very easy to get down if you only focus on the negative stuff.
4) If you had a day to spend alone and money was not a limitation, what would you do for those 24 hours?
I would get a massage, grab lunch, shop without a purpose, put my feet up, watch a movie, and get a good night’s sleep.
5) Where do you find your encouragement and/or strength?
Pete and my family encourage me and I find strength in my Catholic faith.
Kathy Folan
Kathy is the primary caregiver for her son Robby!
1) What is the greatest challenge as a caregiver?
The schedule of the patient and feeling like you’re 2 persons!! As the mom also, it always feels like double duty!
2) What is the greatest reward as a caregiver?
This one is hard for me to answer, because Mom mode kicks in and I honestly have to say that this would not be my field of choice. I am a caregiver, but always mom first. My first instinct as a mom is to care for my son, so I became his caregiver out of the need for it.
3) What is a thought/words of wisdom you would share with another caregiver?
I really can’t answer this but what I would hope is that all caregivers treat their patients like they would want to be treated.
4) If you had a day to spend alone and money was not a limitation, what would you do for those 24 hours?
Find a nice outdoor mall with a ton of nice restaurants and an awesome bookstore. When I am done shopping I would find a super nice hotel and cuddle up with a new book and lots of good food!!!!
5) Where do you find your encouragement and/or strength?
From my kids. Robby, who I care for, because he definitely deals with a lot more than me. And Kyle for being able to live his own life with his family, but also to be there for both Robby and I equally.