Andrea Lindsley, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, says her husband and daughter are her caregivers.NASHVILLE, Tenn. -
November is National Family Caregivers Month to give recognition to those who help and care for family members, neighbors and friends.
Andrea Lindsley, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, can relate because her caregivers are her husband and 6-year-old daughter Anna.
"I have a lot of numbness on my right side, a lot of slurred speech and just exhaustion," she said from their home in Bellevue.
"Because of the fatigue, giving her a bath exhausts me," she added. "It wipes me out, so we figured out a long time ago that we would tag team. Paul gives her the bath, and I brush her hair, put on her pajamas and read her a story. We're still sharing responsibilities, but he's doing the physical part."
The physical part includes helping Anna with her homework, most of the household chores, including making dinner every night before Andrea comes home from work.
"I can look in her eyes when she comes home and say, ''You need to sit down and rest,'" Paul said. "There are more than 55 million caregivers in this country. Not just MS, but they are taking care of someone they love."
"Never underestimate the power of caregivers," said Andrea. "They make a huge difference in my life. I'm healthier because they do a whole lot of little things."
In 1994, the National Family Caregivers Association began promoting the celebration of family caregivers during the week of Thanksgiving, but as interest grew, it turned into National Family Caregivers Month.
There are a number of support groups for caregivers.
For a list, go to NFCAcares.org.
For information about MS self-help groups in the Mid-State, visit NationalMSSociety.org.
