Harriet Hodgson

Rochester resident Harriet Hodgson has been a freelance writer for writing for 38 years, is the author of thousands of articles, and 36 books. She is a member of the Association of Health Care Journalists and the Minnesota Coalition for Death Education and Support. She is also a contributing writer for The Caregiver Space website, Open to Hope Foundation website, and The Grief Toolbox website. Harriet has appeared on more than 185 radio talk shows, including CBS Radio, and dozens of television stations, including CNN. A popular speaker, Harriet has given presentations at public health, Alzheimer’s, caregiving, and bereavement conferences. Her work is cited in Who’s Who of American Women, World Who’s Who of Women, Contemporary Authors, and other directories. All of Harriet’s work comes from her life. She is now in her 19th year of caregiving and cares for her disabled husband, John. For more information about this busy author, grandmother, wife, and caregiver please visit www.harriethodgson.com
Round and Round the Caregiving Circle

Round and Round the Caregiving Circle

The circle is one of the oldest shapes in human history. Drawing circles must be instinctive because every culture has them. I envision caregiving as a circle because sometimes I keep running around and accomplishing little. My caregiving circles change with the day...

I Need to Have a Life

I Need to Have a Life

When you become a caregiver, the care recipient’s needs become part of your life. If you’re not careful, their needs can take over your life. This is my 21st year of caregiving—nine years with my mother, seven years with my orphaned twin grandchildren, and five years...

Reviving My Caregiving Happiness Jar

Reviving My Caregiving Happiness Jar

For more than a year, I kept a caregiving happiness jar. At the end of my caregiving day, I wrote a note about something good that happened, and put it in a jar. Every so often, I withdrew random notes from the jar, and read them. The notes were revealing. First, the...

I Lost the Lamb Chops

I Lost the Lamb Chops

Both my husband and I have British heritage, and we love lamb chops. Although the price of lamb has increased markedly, we were willing to pay it. So I went to the butcher shop and bought four thick chops. When I returned home, I put them in the freezer for another...

Track Your Caregiving Feelings In a Journal

Track Your Caregiving Feelings In a Journal

Caregiving can be so demanding that we lose track of our feelings. When my husband was dismissed to my care after eight months of hospitalization, I felt a dizzying array of feelings. Of course I was elated to have him home, but I was scared too, and wondered if I had...

Identify the Sources of Caregiver Stress

Identify the Sources of Caregiver Stress

Being a family caregiver is stressful. Unless action is taken, stress will continue to build. Family members, even the loved one you’re caring for, may not understand your stress.  Some family members may think you’re exaggerating. What’s all the fuss about? “I’m not...

Ten-Year Anniversary is a Life Marker

Ten-Year Anniversary is a Life Marker

“The 10th anniversary of Helen’s death is coming up,” I told my husband. “I think we should do something significant—write a large check to the food bank or the public library.” John nodded his head in agreement. Helen died from the injuries she received in a car...

Art Can Help Loved Ones Heal and Find Hope

Art Can Help Loved Ones Heal and Find Hope

Have you ever sat in a waiting room, stared at a picture, and realized it drove you nuts? Our loved ones may feel the same way if they don’t like the artwork in their home or room. Some artwork is actually upsetting. We can make loved ones feel at home by paying...

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