Stories

These stories, often contributed by readers and workshop participants, express how personal safety nets and care share teams have made a difference in their lives.

Vivian Needed to End Care-Sharing Team Membership

Vivian's membership as part of the care-share team was clouded by her own memories of dark and lonely days caring for her own father. She knew she had not had time to heal from that experience, but would she be seen in a negative light if she left the team?

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Maria Lives!

I had walked with Maria as she faced crisis after crisis. I had struggled to help her create positive ways to live her life. But now she'd met the most handsome man and she wanted me to change my role. Could I enjoy my new freedom and expand our friendship?

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Deborah's Many Good-byes

She was a professional in her late forties who had early-onset Alzheimer's-type dementia and could no longer function in her many important capacities. We set up a care-share team who worked together for what ended up being a five-year journey.

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Martin Comes Full Circle

Martin had come to Seattle and was matched with a faith-based group who welcomed him as their care partner. He grew strong and prospered from the help and assistance of his group. And when he was ready, he joined a team that would support someone else who needed a safety net.

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Rest in Peace

Five weeks after his 101th birthday, Carl stepped out of this dimension and embarked on a new adventure. Through the tears I heard stories of the three and a half years in his last home. Who would have thought the move to the nursing home would become such a gift in so many ways?

Download: Carl's Story

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