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Characteristics of a Pulmonary Fibrosis Caregiver
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again now: I don’t know where any of us patients would be without our caregivers. I am so thankful for you all!
Living with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is not easy but I am convinced that it is equally as difficult to be a caregiver for someone living with this life-threatening lung disease. I have been corresponding privately with some beautiful members of our forum who are caregivers to someone in their life living with IPF. I just have to say how much I applaud them; I cannot imagine the agony you go through watching this disease progress within us and not being able to stop it. This forum post is dedicated to you.
My co-moderator and columnist Mark Koziol recently wrote a column about his family coming to support his wife, who needed caregiving despite being the carer for Mark. This is a really important piece for all of us, including caregivers, to remember: even our caregivers need caregiving occasionally! Another beautiful writer for Pulmonary Fibrosis News wrote a column about how asking for additional help can benefit both the caregiver and the patient. I think sometimes we forget that caregiving is like a full-time job, and we all need a little vacation from that intense work occasionally.
Recently, one of the members I was corresponding with shared with me that she felt inadequate as a caregiver to her partner. She asked me: Charlene, what are the top characteristics of a strong caregiver? I answered this question to the best of my ability but I am confident others have ideas/answers they could contribute and give to this question. As a result, I thought I’d ask our wonderful forum members:
What characteristics do you appreciate most from your caregiver as you navigate life with IPF/PF? I’d love to hear from you and be able to compile a collective document of answers to share with this wonderful caregiver.
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