Locals write ‘Caregiver’s Journey’ as a map to follow

Many of us have been there; many will be there at some point in their lives, either now or in the future. Taking care of an elderly loved one from a distance; it can be stressful and can take lots of time and worry. Local authors teamed up to write a book with first-hand advice on going through this transitional time and how to cope with the problems that arrive.

According to Amazon, “The Caregiver’s Journey: A Roadmap for Navigating Your Path” serves as a roadmap for anyone navigating the role of caregiver. The chronological narrative, interspersed with tips and recommendations, helps readers better understand their path as caregivers, while its 11 Tables and six Appendices expand upon critical topics.”

Pamela Showalter, Ph.D. and partner Raylene Bell, M.S., chronicled Bell’s mother who would be living in an assisted living facility. Showalter’s name might be familiar; she was a Wimberley City Council member from 2014-16.

“Raylene’s mom developed issues over time. We needed to find a facility for her. To move her, it was six hours away… (We found one) a mile away, close to her relatives and friends.” This started in 2010 and ended five years later. Showalter recorded in a journal and was objective as could be expected. “We were going back

“We were going back and forth, 12 hours round trip. It was clear, this was a stressful experience… We ate fast food a lot,” Showalter said. “I was journaling for a couple of years.” Relating their experiences might be helpful to others in this situation.

Showalter’s expertise as a published author, professor and writer was invaluable. Bells’ work experience as a medical researcher and speech-language pathologist made her very familiar with hospitals, medical facilities and the nursing profession.

“Here I was dealing with my own family, my mother who I looked up to my entire life. It was a tough transition. The emotions involved are so stressful,” Bell said. “You have to keep track of what’s going on. As people get older, their medication needs constant inventory. Even a little bit different (can be) good or bad… Medicare always goes for the cheapest.”

One piece of advice is to take pictures of their medicine and dosage, side effects, whether it is a generic or not and other information which can come in handy if for some reason changes occur.

“I’d like to emphasize that everyone’s experience is different… I’d talk to her everyday. If she was not available, I’d talk to the workers. They knew me well,” said Bell.

Showalter also emphasized that like all employees, there’s good and bad. “Some had the call to help the elderly, others are not as dedicated.” Being involved is the only way to ensure their loved one’s health.

“It’s a tragic place to be. You want to do so much… It was hard to watch mom’s independence be robbed from her. It was very tragic,” said Bell.

Having the advice from someone who has been there before can be very helpful, even though everyone’s experience is different, the commonality of situations are still there underneath.

Expert advice from those who have been through it can be a stress reliever and a welcome read to those in this situation, knowing that you are not the only one to go through the stressful situation of caregiving.

“The Caregiver’s Journey: A Roadmap for Navigating Your Path” by Pamela Showalter and Raylene Bell is available at Amazon books and other bookstores amazon.com/Caregivers-Journey-Roadmap-Navigating-Your-ebook/dp/B08K891879