EP 64 :: Caregiving: Fresh Eyes and Fresh Ideas :: Ariel Decheubel

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Ariel Decheubel talks with Bobbi and Mike about the challenges of serving as a young paid caregiver and offers some fresh ideas and perspectives on caregiving. Ariel assists former Rodger That guest Bill Ralston with caring for his wife, Cindy, as she struggles with dementia. Ariel works Monday through Friday in their home, has a young son, and is in her twenties.  

“It's a little bit of a rollercoaster ride, and you just kind of have to anticipate what might happen and what might not happen,” Ariel explains.

“It's not necessarily your age that makes you a good caregiver, it is your ability to connect with that person right now as they are,” Bobbi points out.

“We've made little transitions to where things are now easier for her, and it's not so challenging all the time,” Ariel says. “We changed how she eats, for example, because she was eating too fast and choking.  If you're eating something with the wrong object, it's a little bit harder to eat it. As she's trying to eat with it, it slows her down to where she has time to chew her portion.”

“My Grandfather always told me that if you do something you love every day, you will never work a day in your life. I truly, truly believe that because I enjoy every day. I get here early every day, and it makes me happy being here,” Ariel explains.

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