Caregiving is a multi-task job. Many caregivers will tell you they do not think of caregiving as a job. And many will tell us they just do what is needed and don’t feel they are doing anything really special.
The truth is all care givers manage multiple tasks at once because they are care for someone and themselves at the same time. And this description does not change if the caregiver is a paid caregiver or not. The only difference in these caregivers is the level of responsibility and knowledge of the person being cared for. This is not an easy job for either caregiver. We sometimes forget the amount of knowledge and caring which goes into this job.
A family member who is unpaid, can be one of the best caregivers in the world for our friend, however, the caregiver’s health is suffering. Paid caregivers can have all kinds of letters of appreciation, and ‘at a boys’ but their health is suffering too. No caregiver is paid enough whether they are hired for the job or a family/friend.
If we have the time to do something for our caregiving friends, we should do it. Give a kind remark or an accolade while in the company of others; offer a cup of coffee or just a ten-minute break. May is coming up and it is Older Americans Month. The estimated number of older American’s in the caregiver role is a staggering amount. Please take time, for no reason at all, except to just say “Thanks” and acknowledge a job well done.
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