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The A glimpse into the lives of three Degree of Honor members who recognize the challenges and rewards that accompany taking care of loved ones on a full-time basis. Caregivers Life Find the positive and plan for tomorrow Cindy Weyhrauchs daughter Denise has Down Syndrome. While Denise has had to overcome serious physical ailments Cindy cherishes her parenting experience. And like any parent she loves her daughter deeply. Denise didnt walk until she was four and she also had hearing problems says Cindy. But she was so much fun to be around. I would come home from working the evening shift and wake her up just to play with her. Still uncertainty is never far from a caregivers mind. Cindy and her husband have four children total Denises twin brother plus older and younger sisters but they often wrestled with the question of what would happen to Denise if Cindy and her husband were unable to care for her. That motivated the couple to get their finances in order and set up a plan for Denises care beyond their own lifespans. As it turns out that advance planning was critical. Several years ago Cindys husband developed an ongoing disability which moved Cindy into a new caregiving role. Thanks to the familys planning Denise now lives in a group home something she had actually asked to do as a means of demonstrating her independence. Cindys advice to other caregivers Seek out respite time for yourself try to look for the positive aspects in every situation and plan for the future. Challenges make you stronger she says. They make you realize how good you have it. According to the National Alliance for Caregiving there are now more than 43 million people in the U.S. who provide unpaid care to an adult or a child who needs support for their activities of daily living. We talked to three longtime caregivers who have provided care to a child spouse or parent for insight into their experiences. Their circumstances are all different but one common sentiment emerged While caregiving is a challenging and often all-consuming responsibility its also deeply rewarding. Cindy Weyhrauch 6 HONOR Winter 2016 800.947.5812