I’ve been thinking about the pleasures for me of following this site, as well as the occasional problems. I have a fair bit of daily pain from scoliosis and the other aspects of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, which I have had since age 12. It means that I am often stuck sitting down reading or looking at a computer screen. My guess it that I am not the only regular poster who also uses the site as an interesting (and potentially helpful) way to fill in time when health issues intrude.
I would be interested to hear from other regular posters who value the site, for their own purposes as well as to be helpful. How does ‘helping’, help you too?
I agree with others that there are a lot more postings by people seeking financial help and wonder what kind of algorithm is driving them to this site. It's too bad the forum doesn't have something like a "sticky" that I've seen on other sites that has standing information that's always at the top. For the Forum it should lay out what is and isn't appropriate to post about. For example, it could say that businesses can't solicit; that individuals can't find financial help here (but direct them generically for possible sources of help).
This group helped me understand Medicaid which made it so much easier to apply for Mom. She went into AL in 2016 and transitioned to LTC in 2017. I got so much good info. I continued to stay feeling maybe I could help others. I worked for 7 years with Nurses as their Secretary and my daughter has worked 20 yrs in LTC as an RN, 10 yrs before that as an LPN. So I learned things on the job and from my daughter.
Margaret we are not the only ones who have done their caring and remained to help others.
Thanks to all for sharing their experiences and helpful, sometimes funny and very direct advice! I like that. :) :)
I've used the forum to help me navigate the chaos I was feeling having 2 elderly parents to manage as an only child. I'd gotten lots of support and guidance with those situations that helped me a lot. And then dealing with their passing as well.
I also found great comfort from most of the forum members here when dealing with my husbands liver transplant and then my own cancer journey the past 3.5 years. I'm now forced to sit a lot to manage the permanent injuries I've suffered from immunotherapy, so A.C. is a good place for me to come and be helpful to others.
Although so many changes have taken place nowadays and so many questions are about getting financial help for new roofs and broken down cars and pumping septic tanks instead of true caregiving issues. The questions have dwindled, the IT issues have ramped up, and A.C. is no longer what it once was. I find that sad, watching folks leave here never to return. It was once a bustling place full of hot topics and I fondly remember those days. I contribute when I can though, and intend to continue doing so.
There have been a few times people on this forum told me what I needed to hear and even when it isn't sugar-coated, if it's done in the spirit of friendship and a genuine desire to be helpful, it shows and is appreciated. When it's not then that is just some pathetic fool entertaining themselves with a bit of bullying. Of course like anything public you'll get people who like to cause trouble or who give advice on topics they really know nothing about and have no practical experience with. I don't name names.
For the most part, this group is very helpful and a good, valuable resource for anyone who is a caregiver or is in need of some support from others who are currently caregiving or have been through it.
It gives me insight of what I should be thankful for; things which I could've done differently or better, and it's okay to have moments of every single feeling that comes with caregiving, aging, and progression of illnesses, and how we truly try....
When I was dealing with mom's declining health this site was a Godsend for me. I don't think I would have survived without it.
I don't post much anymore but I do check in periodically. I always wonder how my old friends on here are doing. Most have left or don't post as much but there are still some old favorites that do.
Helping definitely helps. I truly believe that taking care of my mom was my purpose and when she died I not only missed her but missed caring for her as well, even though it was so difficult at times.