I think I've been a caregiver since the day I was born. It is an amazing feeling when you can help someone who is in need of a pair of extra hands, or to offer companionship to someone who might not have family in the area. At the age of 40 I enrolled in the Human Services Program at Northern Essex Community College. In my first semester I not only made the dean's list, but I had an essay published. Unfortunately in the middle of my second semester my grandmother was diagnosed with dementia. So I dropped my classes and she moved in with me so that I could take care of her. Although I have been a Certi fied Nursing Assistant for 25 years it is a totally different reality when you are caring for a family member. It certainly wasn't easy but I now have a better understanding of what its like to be the full time care giver, and still have to take care of your spouse and children and all of the responsibilities of your home, and everyday life. There are a lot of programs out there that I hadn't been aware of, as well as some really incredible support groups for the care takers. ... more