#caregiver-fatigue

#caregiver-fatigue

"Sara" is a close friend who suffers from significant mental health challenges. She is often sullen, easily offended, and quick to anger. Recently, she had a severe meltdown (which was never discussed), cut me off completely, and didn't speak to me for months. We patched that one up somehow, but her behavior is frequently challenging to the point where I question whether our friendship is worth it.

Editor's note: This story is part two of a MinnPost series by Matthew Blake on Minnesota's efforts to stabilize its nursing home workforce - a sector long challenged by high turnover. Part one looks at the state's plan and the pushback to it from nursing home operators. Next March, Mary Voerding is due to celebrate her 30th year at Maplewood Rehabilitation Center, a suburban Twin Cities nursing home where she has worked as a nurse, care coordinator and now front desk receptionist.