Written by Lauren Caggiano on Fri Feb 17 2023.
Caregiver: Anna K.
She’s caring for: Her son, Simon
Best tip for other caregivers: Find joy in the sweet moments of everyday connection
Adoption has the power to transform lives on so many levels. For Anna and her husband, adopting their son Simon posed an opportunity to give a little boy a shot at a better life. “My husband and I adopted Simon in 2013,” she reflects. “He lived in a bad orphanage in eastern Europe. He weighed just 18 pounds a month before his 9th birthday due to horrible neglect.”
She knew she’d have to learn how to best care for him and adapt to life with a child with disabilities, but soon after bringing him home, she learned the learning curve was steeper than she could have imagined. Simon is non-verbal, blind, and hard of hearing, and she admits his behavior can be unpredictable and overwhelming at times. Yet she begins each day with an open mind, ready to accept what may come her way.
“As his mother and caregiver, I have learned to read his facial expressions and body gestures,” she says. “Simon is nonverbal besides noises, lip buzzing, and deep laughs at times. On a good day, he can light up the room with his laugh and smile.”
Any caregiver will tell you that caregiving isn’t easy. Simon is entirely dependent on his parents for his basic needs. Anna supports all his daily needs, from feeding and bathing to dressing and transportation.
As she explains, “Simon does nothing himself. It's hard to think that as I age my workload won't decrease. Simon will need me forever.”
The sweet moments, however, make it all worth it. Anna finds ways to connect with him and calm his mind and body. Being blind and hard of hearing, Simon loves music, so Anna sings to him while playing the guitar. In this way, they have created many fond memories to last a lifetime.
According to Anna, Simon has challenged them to become more resilient people. Still, she wouldn’t trade it for anything for the world. In her words, “Being Simon's caregiver is the hardest thing I do, and I don't get many breaks from it. He deserved a life, and I lay mine down so he can live.”
We believe in highlighting caregivers' stories and all of the incredible work caregivers do on a daily basis. If you want to share, please reach out to our Caregiving Specialists at 855-855-1666 or email support@carewell.com.
Beatrice A. is the 2023 Caregiver of the Year due to her dedication to her family and constant positive outlook despite challenges.
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Carol B. was awarded the title of Companion Caregiver Hero after she became the caregiver of her friend of 45 years when she began needing care, without a second thought.
Read More >Lauren Caggiano is an Indiana-based copywriter/editor, ACE certified personal trainer and ACE certified health coach. She has a passion for health and wellness and helping people live fuller and richer lives.