Taking Care of Yourself WhileTaking Care of Your Loved One

Connie Galeener: A Wellness Community Caregiver Profile

In 2000, Connie Galeener’s husband, Buffalo Rick, and both of her parents were diagnosed with cancer. The time-consuming care of her loved ones made it impossible for Connie to run their business. Consequently, she lost her company and means of financial support.

“Life as I knew it ended,” says the 47-year-old former Arizona entertainment guru.

After five years of struggling, Connie talked to her husband’s doctor about her growing need for support. He suggested seeking help at The Wellness Community (TWC) in Phoenix where she joined a free caregiver support group. “The facilitator asked the participants, ‘What have you done for yourself this week?’ I realized that I had to take care of myself or I’d be no good to anyone.”

Today a renewed Connie performs puppet shows and often volunteers at TWC. The transition has been essential to her own health and ability to care for her loved ones. Connie and her spouse continue to deal with the long-term effects of his cancer, and, most recently, her own diabetes diagnosis.

Not all cases are this extreme, but every caregiver has a personal story of facing frustrations, exhaustion, isolation and guilt.  Guilt? Yes, caregivers often feel guilty for being healthy, for not knowing exactly what to do, for being overwhelmed, even for their feelings of loneliness as everyone focuses on the patient and forgets the caregiver.

According to the Evercare(R) Study of Caregivers in Decline: A Close-up Look at the Health Risks of Caring for a Loved One, the stress and worry of caregiving leads millions of caregivers to neglect their own physical and mental health, resulting in depression, extreme fatigue, poor eating and exercise habits and greater use of medications. More than half – 53% – surveyed said this downward health spiral also negatively affects their ability to provide care.

So, do not forget yourself as a caregiver who also needs care. It is healthy for you to recognize that your needs are important and to provide some care to you, too!

For more information, visit The Wellness Community at www.thewellnesscommunity.org.