Ella Rivera

Caregiver Champion, Ella Rivera and caring for my husband

I am the full-time care partner of my husband who was diagnosed with dementia in 2019. We have been married for 54 years and have one daughter Lenora who has been my rock during this difficult journey.

This journey of caring for my husband, though exhausting, has also shown me that compassion and patience is so needed when caring for a loved one. I have also learned that self-less giving requires self-care and I try my best to find ways to do that for myself so I can give adequate care to my husband.

My faith in God keeps me grounded and centered in this journey of caregiving. There are many phases that a caregiver goes through. Dealing with the grief & mourning of what was is one of the most difficult stages to go through. At some point you reach acceptance and find ways to cope. Lastly being kind to yourself is vital along with accepting help when needed.