I CREATED A JOYFUL 'NEW NORMAL' AS MY SON'S CAREGIVER
First for Women|October 07, 2024
As the mother and caretaker of a 24-year-old son with autism, Anne Couldridge feels a tug on her heart as she watches her friends' adult kids fly the nest to pursue their dreams. But Anne's unique life has taught her there are so many beautiful moments worth celebrating
I CREATED A JOYFUL 'NEW NORMAL' AS MY SON'S CAREGIVER

Whether catching up with a friend in the grocery store or talking to a family member offering their support, Anne Couldridge, who is a full-time caregiver for her 24-year-old autistic son, Connor, frequently hears, "I don't know how you do it." She always smiles and replies in the same manner: "I don't know any other way."

"Of course, I recognize our family's dynamic is different from most," Anne says. "By the time most kids are Connor's age, they're typically out on their own pursuing their careers and starting families of their own, leaving their parents struggling to adjust to being empty nesters. But because of Connor's developmental disabilities, in many ways, my husband and I still have a young adolescent. We can't leave him home alone, let alone dream of helping him move into his own home.

"When Connor was young, he went to school full-time and to various therapies. Then, when he graduated in 2021, our lives took a turn. For decades, the adult system for developmental disability services has been chronically underfunded and understaffed, and while I had full knowledge that this cliff was coming, it was still a jolt to our family when we reached it.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة October 07, 2024 من First for Women.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة October 07, 2024 من First for Women.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من FIRST FOR WOMEN مشاهدة الكل
YOUR BEST-EVER THANKSGIVING
First for Women

YOUR BEST-EVER THANKSGIVING

Impress everyone this holiday with our flavor-packed dishes that are as easy to make as they they are delicious

time-read
3 mins  |
November 18, 2024
"I LEARNED BOUNDARIES AND SELF-LOVE AS MY GRANDMOTHER'S CAREGIVER"
First for Women

"I LEARNED BOUNDARIES AND SELF-LOVE AS MY GRANDMOTHER'S CAREGIVER"

After her mother and grandmother moved into her home, Shannon McCoy, 53, felt overwhelmed, frustrated and exhausted as she acclimated to sharing her space and taking on the role of a caretaker. But Shannon soon learned that to find true peace and strengthen their bonds, she must first set limits and carve out moments for herself

time-read
2 mins  |
November 18, 2024
LIFE'S MILESTONES, EMOTIONAL ENDURANCE & GRATITUDE
First for Women

LIFE'S MILESTONES, EMOTIONAL ENDURANCE & GRATITUDE

with actress, activist, advocate and mom MARISKA HARGITAY

time-read
3 mins  |
November 18, 2024
TOP MD'S NEW Thyroid Cure
First for Women

TOP MD'S NEW Thyroid Cure

BREAKTHROUGH: Research reveals that stress and trauma lead to surprising gland slowdowns that make weight loss difficult. Harvard doc shares the simple plan that heals and slims

time-read
6 mins  |
November 18, 2024
THE HEALING POWER OF GINSENG
First for Women

THE HEALING POWER OF GINSENG

The ancient herb boasts a number of feel-good benefits. Read on to find out more-and how it helped one woman stave off sickness

time-read
6 mins  |
November 18, 2024
WHY SO MANY WOMEN ARE CHOOSING TO GO Alcohol-free
First for Women

WHY SO MANY WOMEN ARE CHOOSING TO GO Alcohol-free

More and more research reveals the dangers of drinkingespecially as we age. Here's what you need to know

time-read
6 mins  |
November 18, 2024
LOOK GORGEOUS WITH Viral Beauty Tricks
First for Women

LOOK GORGEOUS WITH Viral Beauty Tricks

TikTok trends that help turn back the clock

time-read
2 mins  |
November 18, 2024
First for Women

10 BRILLIANT USES FOR HONEY

Savvy ways the sticky stuff saves the day

time-read
2 mins  |
November 18, 2024
IS 'SPAVING' The New Saving?
First for Women

IS 'SPAVING' The New Saving?

Spending more to save more—is it worth it? How to know if a deal is too good to be true

time-read
2 mins  |
October 07, 2024
I CREATED A JOYFUL 'NEW NORMAL' AS MY SON'S CAREGIVER
First for Women

I CREATED A JOYFUL 'NEW NORMAL' AS MY SON'S CAREGIVER

As the mother and caretaker of a 24-year-old son with autism, Anne Couldridge feels a tug on her heart as she watches her friends' adult kids fly the nest to pursue their dreams. But Anne's unique life has taught her there are so many beautiful moments worth celebrating

time-read
3 mins  |
October 07, 2024