Rachel started caring for Barbara after she fell and fractured a vertebra and had a colostomy fordiverticulitisin 2015.
Sometimes I have anticipatory grief I start to think about whats going to happen when I lose Grandma.
After Grandma fell, I got a crash course in caregiving.
But during the day, she needs help.
She relies on a walker to get around her home and she has memory problems related todementia.
I also spend Wednesdays and huge chunks of time on the weekends with her.
Theres a lot to manage.
I have to train and supervise the helpers, pay them, and coordinate their schedules.
When I am with Grandma, Ill help her bathe, get dressed and change her colostomy bag.
Other times, well look at old photos or read short stories together.
AARP Care Guide:Help caring for a loved one at home
