Index: For The Caregiver.
REFERENCE: Essential Reads, Self-Help Toolbox and Navigating Rollercoasters.
Hello, Dear Reader! Welcome to our new Carer Mentor community members!
I’m Victoria. You can read why I’m publishing Carer Mentor here: Who Started Carer Mentor and Why?
There is a Mission based on a firm conviction.
Together, we can raise awareness of the struggles Caregivers face today and the impact that the hidden crisis of Care has on ALL of us.
Whether you are a caregiver, someone suffering from a chronic illness, or someone navigating life’s challenges and uncertainties, the resources and experiences shared here could offer Empathy and Inspiration for your journey ahead.
You are not alone. We are a community network of caring people. We care, but we are more than just caregivers. I See You.
‘Heartfelt empathy for Caregivers. A hub of practical tools, resources, and expert insights. A portal of hope.’
CROWDSOURCING: Resources and commendations that have helped you, the carer, the caregiver. What has helped you stay sane? What book, film, insight has helped you on your journey?
This Index reference is part of the new iCARE Stack and The November 2024 series ‘For the Caregiver’
This is the reference I would have liked to have from day one of the caregiving rollercoasters—references to help me navigate difficult times, explain some things or offer ideas. There are many ‘How-to’s’ for giving care but very few for the carer/caregiver themselves.
This is not meant to be a comprehensive compendium of what a caregiver needs—that’s impossible, considering every experience is unique.
This is a dynamic, evolving resource to inspire and offer ideas from experts I’ve discovered.
As a nerdy researcher, I’ve saved everything I found into a ‘knowledge management system’ of my own making so I can reference the information and pass it on to others.
This index is a continuous work in progress. For the moment, the focus is on Carer Mentor articles. However, I’ll expand this index, and the others in the iCARE Stack, to include the experiences and insights of other caregivers—a dynamic resource of experiences, empathy and inspiration for your reference.
This Index for Caregivers, is not about the acts of caregiving but about how we navigate ourselves and our loved ones on the caregiving journey. Perfectly imperfect humans need connection and support. You are not alone.
Click on this link for another separate Index focusing on the acts of Giving or Receiving CARE. REFERENCE: Tips, Hacks, Resources and Insights.
Please subscribe and ‘❤️’ LIKE the page to guide others to these resources.
Chapters
Essential Reads
Building a Self-Help Toolbox
The Crisis/Emergency that started it all/The Tipping Point
Defining the respite that feels right for you.
Other chapters are coming soon…
Essential Reads
MIND Crisis and Listening services ‘If you need to talk right now, there are many helplines staffed by trained people ready to listen. They won't judge you, and could help you make sense of what you're feeling.
Many listening services let you talk for as long as you need. This page lists some options to try.’
Carers UK Helpline and Support ‘Every day we hear from people who need help with looking after a friend or family member.’
Cruse. Grief can be overwhelming. You don't have to do it alone
Building a Self-Help Toolbox (Each section is growing).
The Crisis/Emergency that started it all/The Tipping Point
'A Prelude to Caregiving: Love and Torture.' A 2015 hospitalisation was only the beginning. This is probably the most painful article I’ve written to date. A grief hangover ensued. Trigger warning for anyone in emotional turmoil over caregiving or at the start of their care journey: this may be too tough to read.
Defining the respite that feels right for you.
New chapters will be added, e.g. different phases of the caregiver’s journey. It’s not a linear path; no two journeys are the same. However, some periods become familiar over time.
Please ‘❤️’ LIKE the article & consider subscribing!
Carer Mentor by Victoria is free to read. If you have the means and would like to support the publication, I welcome monthly (£6) and annual (£50) subscriptions. Thank you for your ongoing support.
If you have a specific topic or question, feel free to raise this in the comments. The beauty of a community is that if I don’t know the answer, someone else will!