I think one of the toughest challenges of a caregiving is having to care about things you really are not interested in. How is that for a little honesty?
Think for a minute, our loved one led a life that was separate from ours prior to needing help. We each had our own circle of friends, activities and interests. For instance my husband loves chess, if he were to need my care it would be important that I play chess with him, take him to chess activities, keep him involved in chess for as long as possible. And let me tell you, that would be a life sucking endeavor (for me) (sorry chess-aholics). Now if I were the one to need care, my husband would need to take me knitting. I would want to go to the yarn store and suck up the atmosphere, feel the yarn, talk about knitting, hang out with the knitters; which in turn would be grueling for my hubby.
But once our loved one passes into our care, their passions and past times must become a part of our life. It is this connection with their former self that helps keep their spirit alive. I have said it before and I will say it again, anyone/anywhere can keep our loved one's shell alive (the body) but it is our unique connection with our loved one that keeps THEM alive.
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