Help 4 HD International Caregiver Support Group
Hello, I am Katie Jackson, CEO of Help 4 HD International. Our organization is dedicated to raising awareness and providing support for those affected by Huntington's disease. Our mission is to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by HD through education, advocacy, and resources. We work tirelessly to provide resources and support to individuals and families impacted by this devastating disease. If you or someone you know is affected by HD, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against HD.
Supporting Caregivers: The Heart of Huntington's Disease Care
As CEO of Help 4 HD International, I have had the privilege of meeting and working with countless individuals and families affected by Huntington's disease (HD). Through my interactions, one thing has become clear to me - the importance of support for caregivers.
Caregiving for a loved one with HD can be an incredibly demanding and challenging experience. It requires a lot of physical, emotional, and mental effort and often takes a toll on the caregiver's own health and well-being. Yet, these selfless individuals continue to care for their loved ones with tireless dedication, despite the challenges they face.
That's why at Help 4 HD International, we believe it is essential to support caregivers. Whether it's through providing educational resources, offering support groups, or simply lending an ear to listen, we aim to make the caregiving experience slightly easier for those who have taken on this important role.
For caregivers, it can be easy to feel isolated and overwhelmed. That's why we encourage caregivers to reach out to others in similar situations, whether it be through our support groups or online communities. Sharing experiences and learning from one another can be a source of comfort and provide a sense of community.
In addition to connecting with others, it's important for caregivers to prioritize their own health and well-being. This can involve seeking out respite care or taking breaks when needed, finding time for physical activity, or seeking professional counseling if needed. Remember, as a caregiver, you can only effectively care for others if you are taking care of yourself first. Now I also recognize we can say this over and over, but there just are not enough resources and tools to make this happen. I was a caregiver for years and preached self-care while I was at home and not taking care of myself whatsoever. My husband came first. My health and care could wait, I always thought. So what I mean by that is I will say it, but I totally get that most of the time, that is not a reality because the respite support is not there.
At Help 4 HD International, we understand that caregiving is a journey and one that is not easy. However, with the right support, caregiving can also be incredibly rewarding. We also are
realistic and know that caregiving can also be frustrating and isolating. You truly only know what true love is once you become a caregiver. It takes deep and dedicated love, and people who have never been caregivers don't understand that. For those of us who have, we do. Our goal is to support and empower caregivers every step of the way and to help make the journey easier.
Help 4 HD International offers a caregiver virtual support group every Tuesday at 2:00 pm PT. We would love for you to join us. As long as you were or are a caregiver for someone impacted by HD/JHD, we have a place for you to come to get support and community.