In the dictionary Confession is defined as:
1. admittance of information
2. acknowledgment
3. making public
About Confessions…
Welcome. I’m Pamela Rivers, founder and editor-in-chief of Confessions of a Master Caregiver. Confessions was launched December 2009 after a long thought process of wondering if I wanted to share the changes I was experiencing in my life as I became a willing, but an “unexpected caregiver” to my mom who had Alzheimer’s Disease. I wasn’t sure if I was up to the task to expose (what I saw as rehashing) my mom’s changes, the anguish and tears I was experiencing and my questioning if I would be able to find joy in my new normal.
Then I thought, perhaps my experiences could be of service to others and realized that in sharing my story, I could be helping someone else on this journey. As of 2012, my role as caregiver changed, but not my role as an Alzheimer’s advocate and the message of encouragement that I want to share with other caregivers.
Confessions purpose is to bring awareness to Alzheimer’s Disease, to the challenges and experiences faced by caregivers and those afflicted with the disease and to inspire caregivers to strive to live the best life obtainable even in the face of adversity. BY providing information, resources and personal stories, Confession will be a LOUD voice for caregivers, an arm of support and a place where they can find comfort in knowing that no matter where they are in their walk, they are not alone.
Feel free to follow me on twitter or instagram.
About Pamela Rivers…
Pamela Rivers, is a growing nationally recognized expert on Alzheimer’s caregiving. She was recently named the Most Influential Caregiver for 2013 according to SeniorHomes.com, a leading online source that identifies and highlights top senior living providers, resources, people, and organizations in caregiving and senior living. Her blog Confessions was also a Top 20 finalist in the 2013 Best Blog by an Individual category which she hopes will help to change the lives of caregivers.
Dear Gentleperson:
Jean Simmons, who is such a blessing to our family, gave me your website info. I was born and raised in Wildwood, FL and returned in 2006 after spending 40 years in NYC and Chicago to help with my mother after I was able to take an early retirement at age 62. It was not until a year ago or so that I realized that something unusual was going on with my mother. At the end of last year, she was diagnosed with “Vascular Dementia.” Still, we are greatly blessed. She has her bad days when she wonders what has happened to her husband, or her sister or her mother, but then there are other days when she brings me so much joy. I am her son and she is my mother. From the beginning, we have had a duty to each other. She has done for me everything that a mother is required to do for her son. I am proud that the Creator has placed in my heart the will to fullfill my duty to her.
I am grateful that you have the courage and the character to speak the truth regarding the issues that you face. You are a blessing to your mother and you are a blessing to us.
Peace and Love.
Sam
Hi Sam
Thank you for commenting. I really appreciate you taking time out to visit and read my blog. My name is Pam and Jean is my cousin and she too is and has been such a blessing!
I’m sorry to hear about your mom and am glad to have an outlet such as my blog to let other caregivers and family members know they’re not alone in this walk.
It was recommended to write about my experiences some time ago and initially it was hard for me to write about what was giving me the most angst and stress. But as time went on
I discovered in my journey that there wasn’t much aid or assistance for caregivers and we found ourselves out-scaled for most programs. The Alzheimer’s Association is wonderful
in leading the charge for Alzheimer’s care, but there’s very little help for the caregiver. I decided that I wanted to start a charity to help other caregivers with services or daily needs and from this desire to
help came my choice to write this blog. I hope it can serve as a vehicle to let others know theyre not alone in this walk, to give encouragement and inspiration and as I discover new information, to pay it forward.
Thank you again for reading and I hope you continue to stick with me. I need to get more posts going but as you can imagine being a caregiver can get me backed up on things. And if you find myblog
to be good or interesting, I would love to receive your nomination at for one of the best Alzheimer’s blogs at: http://www.medicalassistantschools.org/top_alzheimers/nominate/
All you’ll need to do is input my blog’s web address which is http://www.confessionsofamastercaregiver.wordpress.com
Take care and I look to see more comments in the future!
pam
I forgot a word in my web address, it’s updated.
I can’t find your twitter name, and I would like to follow you there if I haven’t already. What is it?
My twitter is @pamelarivers I’m still deciding if I want to get a twitter account for this blog or for the charity I’m developing.
Pam