Reeve Foundation

Thanks everyone, that was a quick hour #fem2

Back up plans help. If a wheelchair breaks, know how to fix it or where to go. Unexpected increases stress #fem2

Knowledge is power. Find orgs that support your needs and interests, join advocacy grps, learn as much as you can #fem2

Remember you always have your voice, when you go silent, you get lost in the crowd and forgotten #fem2

Find your strength in creative ways online communities email exchanges postcards, prayer lists anything that helps you feel connected #fem2

Paralysis Resource Guide is also online Chpt 10 http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/crf/paralysisresourceguide/ pages 286-297 #fem2

Factsheet has tons of resources that are webbased. Often Caregivers log online after midnight #fem2

found here http://bit.ly/6xRZO #fem2

Reeve Paralysis Resource Center has a great caregiving factsheet #fem2

It is impt as caregivers to know we are not alone. Internet allows us an opportunity to connect #fem2

Dana Reeve preferred to callit regrets and not guilt #fem2

As medicare cuts back, private health care follows. Most policies allow for LTC but only 30-90 visits a year for home care--inadequate #fem2

@MarthaStett also quality of care comes into play with the guilt #fem2

areas of help can be, grocery shopping, picking up dry cleaning, sitting with the person in need of care, meals #fem2

Financially we can prepare somewhat but the cost of a high level spinal cord injury is overwhelming #fem2

And with one less incomethe wife also works. It soon becomes overwhelming #fem2

For many women, there role of spouse becomes one of caregiving after disability #fem2

At the Paralysis Resource Center we see many people quitting jobs to be caregivers to someone with paralysis #fem2

I think for many folks, if healthcare provided better for chronic disability in the home, the issues for caregivers would be less #fem2

If someone asks if they can help, say yes. Learn to identify where you need a helping hand. #fem2