You wake up each morning and your first thoughts are of your loved one. As you rise out of bed you run down a list in your mind of all the things necessary for your loved one’s care today. Before you tend to your own needs, you are bathing, dressing or preparing their meal. The rest of your day is organized around assuring that the needs of your family member are met. Who are you? You are a caregiver.

Who are Caregivers?

Caregivers are unique but not rare. There are millions of caregivers, like you, all around the globe. And the numbers are continuing to grow. Most commonly, caregivers are spouses and children of an elderly and sick loved one. But caregiving is gradually moving into the extended family. Nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins, as well as friends become caregivers too.

Although every caregiving situation is unique, caregivers as a community are not alone. They are in good company. Caregiving crosses all cultures, races, ages, and socioeconomic status. Caregivers can be found from coast to coast. They are located in the country and in the city. Grocery clerks to CEOs are caring for loved ones. And as time marches forward, more and more homes become havens for caregiving as the over 65 population increases and medical needs become more complex.

As caregivers increase in number, support services for caregivers are also developing and expanding. But who are these caregivers and what does it take to live and hopefully thrive as a caregiver? Let’s examine some of the qualities that caregivers come to possess. [Read more...]