CWD (Couples With Disabilities)

Sleep

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Carl Wilkerson M.B.A. on February 23, 2013

Irregularities in sleep, which accompany many disabilities, can wreak havoc on the social life of anyone. But only to those who live in Las Vegas is the resulting culpability based on civic duty!

Irregularities in sleep, which accompany many disabilities, can wreak havoc on the social life of anyone. But only to those who live in Las Vegas is the resulting culpability based on civic duty!

Marriage

Twenty

Carl Wilkerson M.B.A. on October 12, 2012

The authors have endured a lot since their wedding on October 10, 1992. That's the point: they've endured it!!!

The authors have endured a lot since their wedding on October 10, 1992. That's the point: they've endured it!!!

Guilt

Medicine Part 1: To Med or not to Med

Carl Wilkerson M.B.A. on June 22, 2012

Use of medications for chronic illnesses improves the lives of sufferers even though they may not cure anything. Telling chronically ill people that their condition is their fault and that lifestyle changes alone will make them better is not only unsupported by existing data, but dangerous, resulting in more dependency upon caregivers and lower quality of life.

Use of medications for chronic illnesses improves the lives of sufferers even though they may not cure anything. Telling chronically ill people that their condition is their fault and that lifestyle changes alone will make them better is not only unsupported by existing data, but dangerous, resulting in more dependency upon caregivers and lower quality of life.

Empathy

Space and Empathy

Carl Wilkerson M.B.A. on June 7, 2012

We moved at the beginning of May into an accessible apartment. This, with other factors, is making our lives better. We cannot help but wonder if the world would be a better place if social empathy became the guiding principle for not only design but all human interaction.

We moved at the beginning of May into an accessible apartment. This, with other factors, is making our lives better. We cannot help but wonder if the world would be a better place if social empathy became the guiding principle for not only design but all human interaction.

Marriage

A Time for Every Purpose

Carl Wilkerson M.B.A. on March 14, 2012

Recent criticism levied at Newt Gingrich raises questions about monogamy in the context of chronic health conditions. Marriage should not make the daily lives of either spouse infeasible. Openness to renegotiation of the marriage “contract” allows CWDs to find dignity in the face of sexual incompatibilities.

Recent criticism levied at Newt Gingrich raises questions about monogamy in the context of chronic health conditions. Marriage should not make the daily lives of either spouse infeasible. Openness to renegotiation of the marriage “contract” allows CWDs to find dignity in the face of sexual incompatibilities.

Career

Happy National “Appreciate This” Month, Part 2

Pattie Thomas Ph.D. on November 30, 2011

In the US, home care is considered a burden that is not covered by anything but the most expensive of insurance coverage. The profit motive dictates that long-term care be more expensive; there is little profit in supporting home care. Universal healthcare recognizes the great savings and resources home care provides. Family caregivers need a people, not profits, approach.

In the US, home care is considered a burden that is not covered by anything but the most expensive of insurance coverage. The profit motive dictates that long-term care be more expensive; there is little profit in supporting home care. Universal healthcare recognizes the great savings and resources home care provides. Family caregivers need a people, not profits, approach.

Caregiving

Happy National "Appreciate This" Month, Part 1

Carl Wilkerson M.B.A. on November 16, 2011

November is National Family Caregivers Month. Appreciating us is not enough. Caregivers need financial, social and personal resources. It is upon our backs that many of the “sponsors” of this month of appreciation make their profits. We hope that if you take the time to recognize our efforts, you will also take the time to listen to us.

November is National Family Caregivers Month. Appreciating us is not enough. Caregivers need financial, social and personal resources. It is upon our backs that many of the “sponsors” of this month of appreciation make their profits. We hope that if you take the time to recognize our efforts, you will also take the time to listen to us.

Fear

Good Moaning! Good Moaning?

Pattie Thomas Ph.D. on October 24, 2011

When chronic pain is an issue, the enemy of sex is fear. Trust is the key to fearlessness. The worn adage, "yes means yes, and no means no" has never been more important. In order for each partner to be able to trust the "yes," each must respect the "no." In order for that trust to exist, it is important that neither plays any games with this clarity.

When chronic pain is an issue, the enemy of sex is fear. Trust is the key to fearlessness. The worn adage, "yes means yes, and no means no" has never been more important. In order for each partner to be able to trust the "yes," each must respect the "no." In order for that trust to exist, it is important that neither plays any games with this clarity.

Career

Who Gets to Be Sick Today?

Carl Wilkerson M.B.A. on October 10, 2011

If couples’ issues are amplified by illness, dealing with dual chronic illnesses makes them grow exponentially. Money, housework, sex and intimacy are complicated by feelings of being a burden, being inadequate, wanting to care, but being unable to do so. We will explore all these. However, you may find that our disabilities are the least interesting things about us.

If couples’ issues are amplified by illness, dealing with dual chronic illnesses makes them grow exponentially. Money, housework, sex and intimacy are complicated by feelings of being a burden, being inadequate, wanting to care, but being unable to do so. We will explore all these. However, you may find that our disabilities are the least interesting things about us.