We were lucky to catch up with Salena Mckelvey recently and have shared our conversation below.

Salena, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

I remember as early as elementary school, I would see my parents taking care of family members and each other when they were ill. My Mom took care of me after back surgery in middle school. I watched my Mom take care of my Dad through brain surgery, kidney transplant, heart attack with a triple bypass and stroke. I watched my Dad go to various family member houses clean and fix things around the house when they were ill. My Dad took care of my Mom when she went through her many headache episodes during the years leading up to her dementia diagnosis.

My parents gave me the blueprint to becoming a caregiver. I had a front row seat to their selflessness. When they became ill at the same time, I had no hesitation about taking care of them.

In October 2021, my Mom beat dementia and joined my Dad in heaven. I pray that I’m making them proud by sharing our story and helping other caregivers.

Salena, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

At the age of 31, I unexpectedly became the caregiver to both of my parents in the same week. My Mom was diagnosed with dementia at 59 and my Dad suffered a second stroke. My Dad passed away July 4, 2015 and my Mom passed away October 8, 2021. Through my pain and need for a community of younger caregivers I birthed The Young Caregiver. I help caregivers by telling my story and providing resources. In 2021, I released a Caregiver’s Journal to help caregivers navigate through their caregiver journey.

Social Media:

Blog: The Young Caregiver (theyoungcaregiver.com)

Instagram: theyoungcaregiver

Twitter: Young_Caregiver

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

The most helpful tip I can give about success is to define success for yourself and that you are your own competition.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

I originally wanted to be a doctor after my back surgery in middle school. I was a faithful viewer of the show E.R. If I could go back, I would definitely be a doctor.

Contact Info:

• Website: theyoungcaregiver.com
• Instagram: theyoungcaregiver
• Twitter: Young_caregiver