by Audrey Fischer, Duet’s Marketing Intern
When Debbie’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, their lives were turned upside down. Suddenly, Debbie had to navigate on her own how to handle this unexpected situation. She felt lost and alone, as though no one truly understood what she was going through, until she found Duet.
Here is her story:
When Debbie came across Duet, she learned that there is a special caregiving support group that is specifically for family caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer’s or dementia. At these meetings, caregivers receive emotional support, practical advice, and coping strategies, and a nonjudgmental environment to share their stories.
Debbie recently shared, “Our group is a time for support; we are really bonded.” She continued to share, “everyone has different stories, but also each person is at a different point in their story with their person.” Debbie finds hearing from people who are caring for someone who is further along in their diagnosis helps her to consider things normal when she reaches that point. Not only is Duet’s caregiving group a means for support, but it is also a way for her to be ready for what’s ahead in the future.
Before finding Duet, she expresses how she was in a dark place, where she was constantly frustrated, and the outlook seemed bleak. Therefore, finding that right support really gave her a profound difference in her life. “I’ve had a couple of times, where something is really bothering me, and someone else will say something that just clicks and makes it better. I remember one time, I was really upset because my mom lives alone, and I would get her medicine ready every week. There are certain pills at certain times of the day that she’ll keep forgetting to take. And someone replied with ‘that’s out of your control. Just let it go’ and it changed my whole dynamic of how I was looking at it”.
Duet has truly become an essential part for both Debbie and her mother’s lives, knowing they have someone they can lean on, and that she can also be a resource for others as well. “It’s just nice to know you can have someone that you can reach out to when you’re going through a rough patch,” she says.
In addition to attending support groups, Debbie has also found benefits in attending Duet’s webinars. One such webinar helped change her perspective compared to when she first became a caregiver. “There were moments with my mom where she would seem to be mean on purpose, but I realized none of it is. And that it’s okay to be frustrated, and that I’m not judged for that,” Debbie explains.
Debbie’s journey is still unfolding with more experiences and lessons to be learned, but she won’t have to deal with it alone anymore. Duet has become a pathway in her life where she can be prepared for any obstacles that come across and have the navigation to find the support she needs. Not only has she found a sense of comfort in being a part of our Duet community, but also a sense of belonging, one that continues to carry and grow with her every day.
About Audrey Fischer
Audrey Fischer is a marketing intern at Duet who is passionate about pursuing Digital Marketing at Arizona State University. Through her work, she aims to gain hands-on experience in the marketing field while making a positive impact on the community. Audrey is dedicated to continuing to find meaningful ways to contribute to society furthermore into her future.
