I learned a few interesting things on this past trip to France when I went to assist my mother.
Firstly ~ I found this book, Made in France, at my mom’s home and I learned that the crayon was actually invented in France … as was the motion picture film camera AND peach melba!
A uber-chic Parisian woman turned me on to a local marché where I learned that one of the stores at this marché ONLY sells vintage Chanel jewelry, like my fab necklace, and …
I purchased these Valentino Rockstud pumps at the Galeries Lafayette in Paris where I learned I was the very first customer to purchase them, as they had just put them out on display AND that they were not yet available in the United States. #IScoredThemFirst ( They’re available now. Shop them here.)
I also learned that aging family members (which was my real reason for going to France) need a lot more help than they ever have in the past and it’s those who are the caregivers who should really be applauded.
Now ~ I am really only an emotional caregiver for my mother as she lives in France and I live in the U.S. … and, BTW, (and still to be mindful of my mother’s privacy) … she has a very rare condition and it turns out that back-in-the-day a French President also had this same condition. He used his Presidential stroke and had all the medical students in France learn everything that they could about this condition and how to treat it ~ so my mother is in very good hands. ‘Hands’ that probably know far more about this than, perhaps, in other countries.) but this was an eye-opening experience for me as far as what a caregiver actually does, and in particular a family caregiver.
Which brings me to a few interesting statistics are about family caregivers:
- Family caregivers spend an average of 24.4 hours per week providing care and 1/4 of these caregivers actually spend 41 hours or more per week providing care, and
- In the U.S. ~ 34.2 million Americans have provided unpaid care to an adult age 50 or older in the last 12 months.
I’m being a bit long-winded here, but when I wrote this post where I talk about my friend Stacy who was embarrassed to tell me that she occasionally gets bladder leakage, I had no idea if anyone would comment on, or relate to, that blog post. Many did, but what surprised me was how many side emails I received from people just thanking me for talking to them like a real person would.
And so on this trip, I also re-learned that 1 in 3 women will experience adult incontinence so whether it’s your Mom, your sister, your best friend or YOU, Always Discreet can help make these transitions feel a little bit easier. WHY I’m tying this all together is because aging family members and friends might experience adult incontinence or they simply just can’t get to the restroom in time. THIS I really did not realize and/or think about before (!!!) but as a caregiver, or that 1 in 3, you’ll want to have Always Discreet on-hand for yourself or to help assist others.
Let’s quickly revisit what Always Discreet is. Always Discreet is a unique line-up of bladder leak protection products created by the #1 brand in feminine protection, Always. They offer the perfect combo of form, function and feminine design. If you have a sensitive bladder, know that Always Discreet provides incredible-performing discreet protection with a line of products that feature exclusive technology including RapidDry™ that absorbs leaks in second, Dual LeakGuards™ that help stop leaks where they happen most & OdorLock™ that neutralizes urine odors instantly.
Learn even more about Always Discreet here.
*** Thank you, again, to Always Discreet for sponsoring this post and bringing awareness to the possibilities of worry-free bladder leakage. If you, or someone you know, would benefit from trying the Always Discreet line, shop it at Walgreens here.
Wonderful read! Thank you!
Thanks, Patty!
Love me some Rockstud pumps!
And I paid full euro retail for them. eek! … (*lowers head to avoid making eye contact*)
Loved your message and helping others take the shame out of it all. Getting they say it’s nit for the weak. Hope you enjoyed your time with you Mom. ❤️
SOOO not for the weak. Admirable.
I agree! Very nice post! (top to “bottom”)– no, I could not resist 😳 –
Great necklace! Great shoes!👠
Blessings to adult caregivers 💕
Such an immense job – I frankly had no idea.
Jamie,
Sorry to hear about your mom’s condition. My mom also had a rare condition called Progressive Supranuclear Palsy or PSP. Thank you for posting the information about caregivers. It is incredibly taxing physically and emotionally. I currently run a support group in Albuquerque for Atypical Parkinsons patients and caregivers. Thank you for sharing. By the way, those shoes rock!
That’s FABULOUS, Roxi – thanks for sharing this information about your group. xoxo
Thank you Jamie. You may not realize this …. but it real does mean something coming from you.
Well, starting the convo is the first step, right Cheryl?
First, the shoes are FAB. Second, this is such an important and helpful post. Thank you for writing it.
Thanks, M!! xoxoxoxo
(Longtime reader, first-time commentator). Those shoes are fabulous! And I’m so glad your mom is well taken care of. That must be such a load off your mind. While my elderly parents were thankfully financially able to seek out the best senior living facilities, it was still imperative that I be there on a weekly, sometimes daily, basis to provide added support as they navigated the stressful and confusing waters of aging, illness, and then death. I’m honored to have been a shepherd during their final years, but it was still exhausting and sometimes fraught with frustration and of course grief. Self-care during this time is critical. I made a LOT of full retail purchases, too, LOL.
THANK YOU for taking the time comment. Yes – oh my gosh the load is immense, and mine is mainly an emotional load as my mom wants to live in France.
You’re very fortunate to have spent the time that you did with your parents – SO many stressors and feelings, right?!
Glad to know I’m not alone in my full retail purchases! (Of course I always feel guilty after indulging … sigh.)
Thoughts are with you, Jamie, xo V
Dear Jamie,
I trust your mother is well and in very good hands. Would I be correct in saying that we’ve all been there…making the mistake of paying full retail? It’s happened to me and I learnt my lesson. May I also say that I so L=O=V=E all pics of Sir Valentino with you? So very precious as is Miss Blu. Please give them loving pats from me.
I will and I have, Alicia. Thanks for always being so sweet to my doggies. (Mom is GREAT – thank you for asking!)