Ashley Coker is my guest for this episode. Like me, Ashley is a mom in the Type 1 diabetes world. Ashley’s son was diagnosed in November 2020, at the height of the pandemic.  She is sharing valuable perspective about responding to an unexpected diagnosis, taking on the role of family caregiver, and finding resources, in person and online, to support her in her new role.
I asked Ashley to be a guest as I prepare for a talk to Type 1 families at a JDRF community event in Peoria, Illinois, on August 6. So much of the wisdom she shares is transferable to caregivers around many conditions. If you’re caring for someone newly diagnosed with Type 1 or any other condition…or you just want fresh perspective about building your support network as a family caregiver, I invite you to listen in.
Resources:
Facebook page for the Central IL Type 1 Support Group, 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/805603376131046
For information about the JDRF Community Rally in Peoria, IL, on August 6, contact Jennifer McDonald, [email protected], or call 309-229-0558
Learn more about hiring a diabetes educator from the organization Ashley uses, Integrated Diabetes Services,
https://integrateddiabetes.com/
Takeaways:

A new diagnosis is overwhelming, because it thrusts a family caregiver into a new world of terminology and activity.
The principles around building a support network as a family caregiver are similar, no matter the condition(s) you are helping to manage.
Important parts of your support network include your loved one's clinical team, as well as in-person and online support from others who have experience with the practical side of managing the condition(s) you are also managing.
A notebook where you can document information shared at medical appointments, calls to insurance, tips around daily care, suggested resources you'd like to review, etc., may be a helpful tool.
Expect to assume many roles (e.g., nurse, tech support, insurance specialist, financial planner, school advocate) as a family caregiver. 
It may be helpful for one person in a family to be designated the point person for coordinating care, even if other family members are also helping.
Determine what other family members and friends are best suited to help with. Not everyone is suited for direct care, but they may still assist you in valuable ways.
Consider educating your work group to support you in specific ways (e.g., covering your calls if you need to address an emergency) as a family caregiver.

Let’s Connect!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lorischlosserspeaks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorischlosserspeaks/
Website: https://www.lorischlosser.com/

Ver todos los episodios