APPLETON, Wis (NBC 26) -- Being a family caregiver, whether to a child with a developmental disability or a spouse diagnosed with a debilitating disease, can be very challenging. Tonight NBC26 shares how a local non-profit is sharing the first-hand stories of caregivers for those seeking insight and inspiration, for those trying to tackle or understand the often difficult job.
After Aline Zerrenner was diagnosed with Alzheimers back in 2009, her husband Walt began caring for his beloved wife on a nearly full-time basis. But finding resources for help, even insight, for how to deal with the job was tough.
"When I started down this path, I was reading white papers and books about Alzheimers and it helped me prepare for the future, but it wasn't personable. It was more medical and legal advice," says Walt Zerrenner.
Eventually, Walt formed several support groups for men filling a caregiver role for loved ones, where they could discuss their biggest challenges as caregivers. But more importantly, Walt says they could learn from one another within the support groups.
"People talk about how they handled a certain situation. You learn how to communicate."
Walt says through the act of sharing stories caregivers like himself, and even others, can learn a great deal about handling the often stressful role of taking care of others.
"I think it's important for other caregivers to see how people are living their journey."
This is where Cynthia Thompson, from the non-profit Family Caregivers Rock, comes into play. Through the assistance of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, Zerrenner and Thompson have compiled over 20 stories from caregivers into a 240-page book. The ultimate goal of the project is to help cast a light on how some are able to perform the often-difficult task.
"All the credit goes to these contributing authors who have shared to help support others," says Thompson.
The book is titled, A Not So Lonely Journey, and while every story may not be relatable to every caregiver most people could find the value in a deeper understanding of the difficult work.
"It's also (for) other family members, friends, and even employers to see what a caregiver journey is like when you're caring for a loved one," says Zerrenner.
"It's uplifting, it's sharing, it's like this happened to me but this is how I get through it," adds Thompson.
"A Not So Lonely Journey", is available for purchase online and is also accessible at some local libraries. The book can also be purchased at the Family Care Givers Rock Facebook page here.
