Family Caregiver Perspectives: Tom and Erica Share Their OC Journeys
- janelle573
- 12 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Caregiving looks different for everyone, but the heart behind it is the same—love, responsibility, and the desire to do right by someone you care about. Tom and Erica, two caregivers from Orange County, recently shared their experiences. Their stories offer both comfort and practical insight for anyone navigating a similar journey.
Tom’s Story: Advocating with Strength and Balance
In Tom’s story, we hear from his sister —someone who watched him step up for their mom during her battle with shingles and chronic pain. She shares openly about his dedication:
“You’re such an advocate for mom… I just feel so grateful for you.”
Tom didn’t just accompany his mom to neurologist and pain management appointments. He became her voice, her support system, and her steady presence. But at the same time, he also maintained the other parts of his life—his relationship, friendships, and identity.
His sister acknowledges an important truth: “He’s not just a caregiver… and this program helps him have it all.” It’s a reminder that caregivers don’t stop being siblings, partners, friends, workers, or people with needs of their own.
Lessons from Tom’s Journey
Advocacy is a powerful act of love.
Caregivers often speak for their loved ones at appointments, navigate systems, and ask the tough questions. That advocacy matters.
Support helps caregivers maintain balance.
With the right tools, caregivers don’t have to lose themselves in the process.
Caregiving takes teamwork—not just between families, but with professionals.
Medical providers, care coordinators, and community resources all play a role in keeping the caregiver supported and the loved one safe.
Erica’s Story: Strength Through Education, Community, and Preparedness
Erica became her father’s full-time caregiver after his early-onset Alzheimer’s diagnosis. She managed two households, raised a toddler, and carried the emotional weight of watching her father decline.
Then, life shifted again—she was diagnosed with breast cancer: “At that point, it became overwhelming… I didn’t know what direction to take.”
Reaching out for help led her to the Orange County Caregiver Resource Center. There, she completed a six-week caregiver training program that covered disease understanding, hands-on skills, and group support.
“Being with others going through the same thing made me feel I wasn’t alone.”
That community became a turning point.
Lessons from Erica’s Journey
Preparedness makes caregiving less frightening.
Understanding the illness helps caregivers anticipate needs instead of reacting to crises.
Caregivers need emotional support just as much as practical skills.
Hearing “me too” from others facing similar challenges can be lifesaving.
Self-care is a caregiving skill.
Erica says it best: “I needed to take care of myself in order to help my dad.”
The right training builds confidence.
When caregivers learn new tools, everything begins to feel more manageable.
How CRC OC Supports Caregivers (and Why It Makes a Difference!)
The California Caregiver Resource Centers are built for caregivers just like Tom and Erica. CRC OC’s support makes caregiving more sustainable—emotionally, physically, and practically.
Education and Skill-Building
CRC OC offers training that teaches caregivers what to expect and how to respond—whether they’re navigating Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, stroke recovery, or other conditions. These classes provide practical skills that improve safety and reduce stress, while also giving caregivers the confidence to handle daily challenges with greater ease.
Caregivers can also learn to prioritize self-care and themselves, diving into topics like:
Family Consultation and Care Planning
Caregivers can meet one-on-one with trained professionals who help them assess needs, create realistic care plans, and navigate complex medical or support systems. This guidance ensures caregivers never have to make major decisions alone or without the information they need. It also supports navigating family dynamics and caregiving.
Support Groups and Community Connection
Through support groups, caregivers have a place to share what they're going through with others who truly understand. These conversations ease feelings of isolation, offer emotional reassurance, and often deliver the kind of practical insight only fellow caregivers can provide.
Respite Resources
CRC OC helps caregivers explore respite options that give them time to rest, recharge, and take care of personal needs. This temporary relief isn’t a luxury—it’s essential for protecting caregiver health and preventing burnout.
Practical Tools and Digital Learning
Caregivers have access to ongoing workshops, webinars, guides, and planning tools that support them through changing seasons of care. These resources make it easier to stay organized, prepared, and informed.
Emotional Support and Encouragement
Sometimes what caregivers need most is someone who listens without judgment. CRC OC provides compassionate support that validates the challenges of caregiving and reminds caregivers that they’re not facing this journey alone.
The Bottom Line
Tom and Erica remind us that caregiving is more than a role—it’s a journey filled with both challenges and moments of deep love. Their stories show what’s possible when caregivers are supported, trained, and connected to a community that understands.
Caregiving doesn’t have to feel isolating. You deserve support, too. Reach out to your local Caregiver Resource Center at CaregiverCalifornia.Org.
