SCRC'S Caregiver of the Month Spotlight: Martha
Martha is the youngest of her siblings. Out of the 6 children her parents raised, Martha often steps in to provide care. She participated in SCRC's CALMA class when she noticed that her mother would call on the phone, hang up and then call again 15 minutes later to ask why she hadn’t called her yet. There was definitely something wrong, and Martha figured she needed to act. Accepting an Alzheimer’s diagnosis was not easy. Martha felt like she was losing her best friend. 6 years later, Martha is grateful to have discovered the classes offered at SCRC where she has learned so much more about her mother’s illness and how to manage it.
“I was struggling with stress and anxiety, but I realized I had to help myself in order to help her and others.”
Martha is now a dedicated staff member at SCRC, where connecting caregivers to our services has become a passion of hers. She can help the community with vital resources so that they get the help that they need.
“I've learned to have patience with my mother and keep her engaged. Playing music and singing is our favorite pastime, often leading to having some of our best conversations. I tell her I love her every 5 minutes and I feel it in return.”
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