Joanne Ellis lost her husband about 8 months ago to dementia. As an author, caregiver and wife, she writes and speaks honestly and with insight about the journey as a caregiver and the journey back.
When you lose someone to dementia, you do not get the kind of closure you might hope for. You lose them a little bit at a time, and more and more over time.
Joanne’s story will tug at your emotions, as you hear her talk about the journey she has been one. She talks about feeling cheated out of the dreams she and her husband had, how becoming a caregiver felt like crossing to an unknown shore. And about isolation, how the isolation that sets in when you are a caregiver is the hardest part.
Find out more about Wendy’s 6-week “What’s Next Transition” Coaching workshop
To contact Joanne: breathedeeperbook@joanneellis.com
You can purchase Joanne’s book from her website at Breathe Deeper Book – Dementia Caregiver
Episode Take-aways
1. Learn the value of asking for help, keep asking and stay humble.
2. Validate that you are still a reasonable human being, because you care and you are still trying.
3. Take advantage of relationships found in support groups
4. Don’t put off caring for yourself. It makes the journey a little less painful.