An interview with Author Rick Lauber on Caregiving for PD on October 1, 2023 by George Ackerman, Ph.D, J.D.
Biography
Rick Lauber was a former co-caregiver for both of his aging parents (his mother had Parkinson’s Disease and Leukemia and his father had Alzheimer’s disease) and book author. With help from his two sisters, Rick assumed many new-found caregiving responsibilities. Rick learned that caregiving can impact a person physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially and managed his own health and well-being by writing.
Rick’s initially published news stories became the platforms for his two published caregiving guidebooks – Caregiver’s Guide for Canadians and The Successful Caregiver’s Guide. He is also a twice-selected story contributor to Chicken Soup for the Soul. Rick continues to teach and support prospective, new, and current caregivers by actively writing about caregiving and caregiving-related issues for printed and on-line publications.
Please tell me a little about your background.
I am a former co-caregiver for my aging parents. Mom had Parkinson’s and Leukemia while Dad had Alzheimer’s disease. The job was something I had not prepared for and required me to take on many new, unexpected responsibilities.
Can you tell me more about your advocacy?
My advocacy for caregivers has taken various directions. Most notably, I have written two published guidebooks for prospective, new, and current caregivers (“Caregiver’s Guide for Canadians” and “The Successful Caregiver’s Guide” – these are based on my own experience and discuss multiple issues any caregiver may face). I have continually written newspaper, magazine, and on-line articles relating to caregiving and caregiving concerns and am quite active with sharing news and information for caregivers on “X” (formerly Twitter). My freelance writing credits also include two selected caregiving-related stories for Chicken Soup for the Soul. Furthermore, I have done some public speaking, guested on North American caregiving podcasts, conducted media interviews (for print, radio, and television), and served as a volunteer Board member for Caregivers Alberta (a non-profit organization supporting caregivers) for six years.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
My passions are to help others and to write. I became involved with Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure following my mother’s diagnosis. Understanding there was no cure for this condition yet, I realized that Mom’s decline would not only affect her, but also me. Caregiving, whether for someone with Parkinson’s disease or any other condition, can be challenging and can impact a family caregiver physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially.
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when working with you?
I think the major goals for caregivers approaching me are to be recognized, supported, and helped.
What would you like to see as a future goal for your programs?
I have considered offering on-line training/workshops for caregivers and feel this would be an effective means of reaching caregivers, sharing, and pointing them to the valuable resources they need to better manage.
What events do you participate in?
I am an established freelance writer who focuses on continually providing caregiving content for newspapers, magazines, and websites/blogs. I have guested on North American caregiving podcasts, taken part in media interviews (for print, radio, and television), participated in book signing events (at local bookstores), shared information as a public speaker and via social media, and served as a volunteer Board of Directors member for Caregivers Alberta (a non-profit organization advocating for caregivers).
How does your advocacy also assist the caregivers?
I believe that my advocacy helps others realize they are not alone as caregivers and to help them better manage. It has been my intention to share my own caregiving story, encourage, share valuable resources where caregivers can find assistance, and advocate.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
My website is www.ricklauber.com. Website visitors can find buttons to directly contact me through e-mail or follow me on social media.
How can others also become advocates for awareness?
The most important part of advocacy for caregivers is speaking up. Caregivers should not be afraid to share their own stories with others (who can learn) and politicians (who can influence changes).
In your opinion what is the key to effective advocacy?
When caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s disease, remember to also care for yourself. Considering the increased responsibilities and emotional turmoil a caregiver experiences, a caregiver must include regular self-care (or respite). Recommendations for respite are reading, visiting with a friend, taking a class, exercising, or participating in a hobby – but this can be anything a caregiver will enjoy and can relax and recharge.
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
When caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s disease, remember to also care for yourself. Considering the increased responsibilities and emotional turmoil a caregiver experiences, a caregiver must include regular self-care (or respite). Recommendations for respite are reading, visiting with a friend, taking a class, exercising, or participating in a hobby – but this can be anything a caregiver will enjoy and can relax and recharge.