Like many caregivers, Dru Martinez was not prepared for the life-altering news that his mother was diagnosed with dementia. 

“I was at a point in my life where I felt lost, lonely, aggravated, and unsure of the future.  My emotions and feelings quickly dissolved in just one meeting on dementia.”

Dru cares for his mother in Corpus Christi, Texas. He found Caregiver SOS, a program from the WellMed Charitable Foundation that offers caregiver coaching, support groups, and the Stress Busting Program aimed to help relieve the stressors that are common in a caregivers journey.

There, he found caregiver specialist, Mary Ann Mondragon, who helped connect him to a support groups of caregiving peers. 

“Even though the outcome of my mother’s illness and disease is not what I want, the education and information that I receive and learn is very helpful in guiding my outlook towards a more positive view,” said Dru.

Caregiver SOS reminds caregivers that they are not alone and helps provide them with a sense of community as well as resources to learn and cope.

“The not knowing was the most difficult, stressful and heartbreaking feeling I’ve ever gone through.  So, the knowledge I’ve obtained and also sharing the different state our loved ones are in has helped.  Being a part of the group has answered all my prayers,” said Dru.

“Our loved one will never get cured from their dementia, but I’ve realized we can make their lives and ours more simplified.  I attend all the meetings and educational classes that I can to continue to learn.  Thank you all so much for all you do.”

If you are caring for a loved one, or know someone who does, visit caregiversos.org to find the educations and support you need at no cost.