EP 20 Family Takes Care of Family :: Pat Wagner

Today's guest, Pat Wagner, was the facilitator of an Alzheimer caregiver support group for over 15 years in Defiance, Ohio.

Pat, “People need to realize that they don’t have to walk this walk alone, there is so much out there to help in so many ways. My mother had a lot of medical issues herself so therefore she needed help desperately.  At the time I lived across the street with was married with three very small children and so I became the person that she would call continually and dad was a wanderer so we would have to find him of course so that that led to three little children being shoved in a car sometimes 6 or 8 times a day so it became quite hard for me. So, my husband suggested that we add on to our home and bring them into our home to care for them and that is what we did. "

“ I had promised my father that I I would not put him in a home which was probably the wrong thing to do as the years went on and the demands were great but my mother decided that it was too much for me because it was 24/7 with dad he was up all night and he would not listen to anybody but me.”

 Bobbi, “I often tell caregivers when I do a presentation don't ever tell your family member that you would never have them in a facility as you just may not be able to keep that promise  because sometimes it becomes the right decision for both of you as try to keep them at home.  You will always be their advocate in your role as loving spouse or loving child and be there for them, but sometimes we have to be strong enough to make that tough decision.”

Don't forget to subscribe, download & review the show!

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts