The Caregivers Counsel

08/05/2025

🌿 Family Caregiving in South Africa: A Silent Sacrifice
Family caregiving in South Africa is unlike anywhere else in the world.
It’s not just helping an aging parent with meals or medications…

👉 It’s managing multigenerational households.
👉 It’s caring without training, without support, and often without recognition.
👉 It’s sacrificing sleep, time, income — and sometimes your own health.

Most caregivers don’t even call themselves “caregivers.”
They say, “I’m just looking after my mom.”
Or, “It’s what we do for family.”

💔 But behind those words is exhaustion, grief, and guilt.

As a Specialized Counsellor and Caregiver Coach, I’ve seen this firsthand.
And the hardest part?
Reaching the very people who need help — because they don’t think they’re allowed to ask for it.

It’s time to change that.
It’s time to say:
You matter too. You deserve support. You’re not alone.

If you are caring for an aging parent, grandparent, or loved one with dementia or frailty, I see you.
And I’m here to help.

💬 Message me if you're ready to talk.
Or tag someone you know who might be quietly walking this road.

02/04/2025

World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD)

Those who must care for and manage the daily challenges of autism are on our minds today.

A global healthcare event that promotes the inclusion, acceptance, and support of people with autism and fights for their rights, World Autism Awareness Day is observed annually on April 2. There has been a lot of progress in recent years that has made it easier to comprehend autism and accept the many amazing autistic champions who have worked hard to share their successes and flourishes with the world.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in brain development. Individuals with autism may have repetitive or restricted interests or behaviours, as well as difficulties with socialisation, communication, and interaction. They also learn, move, and pay attention in different ways than other people.

20/03/2025

Human Rights Day in South Africa, observed annually on 21 March, is a significant national holiday rooted in the country’s history. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made in the intense fight for democracy and equality and highlights the importance of protecting human rights for all South Africans.

Family Caregivers deserve to be acknowledged as well as those they care for.
Staying close to family and friends is often vital to aging well and living a long, meaningful life.

People who connect socially are generally healthier, happier and better able to confront whatever obstacles are thrown their way.
Seek intergenerational connections. Young and old can learn from one another.

06/03/2025

Nobody is immune to illness or its effects, and you don't have to be the family carer in person to feel the anguish and loneliness of witnessing a family member's health deteriorate. Please read and express gratitude if you and your care recipient are still in excellent health.

89 More.
Daar het een positiewe ding gekom uit my ma se demensie. Ek verstaan nou dat ons nie werklik enige-iets verstaan totdat ons self iets beleef of iemand naby aan ons dit beleef nie.
Lees asb weer hierdie sin.
Daar is elke keer ietsie weg as jy 'n demensie lyer besoek. En as jy huistoe ry kom jy agter dat daar ook iets elke keer in jou weg is.
Soos hulle meer en meer kwesbaar raak, raak jy (ek) meer en meer gehard.
En ironies genoeg help dit niks.
Maar hoe meer my glimlag verdwyn hoe meer glimlag die vroue om my ma. Haar caregivers by die fasiliteit waar sy is. Vroue van Afrika wie se warmte en hartlikheid nog altyd deel was van hierdie kontinent.
En as iemand my oog vang, my vlak trane sien, die sagte woorde: "Be strong".
Ek voel die liefde.
Die omgee.
So probeer verstaan.
Die lewe is nie regverdig nie. Maar ons kan probeer regverdig wees.
Happy b-day vir more Ma.
Jammer dat jou hare so sleg lyk op hierdie foto.
Maar dit gaan oor die hart.
En daarvan het jy nog baie.