Debbie was the primary caregiver for both her mother and father-in-law for approximately six years. She continued to care for her father-in-law for an additional two years after his wife died. Here is her eldercare story:

Upon moving back to South Carolina following a period of travel abroad, it was determined that her husband Bill's mother was suffering from a mild form of dementia and memory loss. As the disease progressed, it became apparent that both parents-in-law would be better served by placement in assisted living. They made the decision because Debbie was receiving numerous phone calls at work to answer minor questions, and, on occasion, to solve real financial issues or a serious health event. The constant distractions and trips from Care For Life offices in West Ashley to Summerville during working hours began to affect Debbie's job performance and created tremendous stress for her. Debbie had to be decisive.

She used all the resources that Care For Life has to offer. She talked with our nurse care manager, requested medical intervention and received placement suggestions to put a stop to the daily disruptions. Some were abated by the move to assisted living, but frantic calls from the staff for her input was still unsettling.

After Bill's mother passed, she continued to manage the affairs of her father-in-law. He grew more helpless, dependent, and was again a very time-consuming distraction in her workday. Debbie assumed financial and property management duties, and she was his sounding board and problem solver for his never ending personal issues until he peacefully passed away.

You might see yourself as you read Debbie's story of eldercare. She truly walked in the proverbial shoes of adult children with aged parents for almost eight years. In hindsight, Debbie knows it prepared her to help others. She is an excellent listener with true empathy and a great source of information concerning elder care issues.