Caregivers Need Care, Too

One of my reasons for moving from sunny San Diego to Boise was to support my 87-year-old mother.

Truth be told, my Mom does more of the supporting. I am fortunate that she is extremely healthy. Her recent knee replacement surgery proved that. But, even a healthy person like my mother is limited when it comes to a knee replacement.

Enter the caregiver.

The Balancing Act

Looking at the role of most caregivers, I had it easy. Still, trying to balance my business writing with laundry, cooking, and rehab was one of my most difficult challenges.

I wrote in the past, that I admire Work-At-Home-Moms (WAHM). Caregivers are right there on my admiration meter. My Mom had been a caregiver for my Dad in the last few years of his life. Caregiving is exhausting, back-breaking work. Try doing that full-time job along with another one.

A lot of people do.

A Booming Business

The National Alliance for Caregiving reports –

“Family caregivers provide an estimated $375 billion worth of uncompensated care to loved ones annually.”

Expect that to only go higher. Depending on what report you look at, there are an estimated 75 million baby boomers. The oldest turn 65 in 2011. Check out these tips on elder care over at my healthcare blog.

Give Them a Break

If you know someone who is a caregiver, think about doing something to lighten his or her load.

• Spend time with the person they are caring for so the caregiver has some free time
• Cook a meal for them
• Go shopping for them
• Sit and visit with them

What may seem like a little thing to you means the world to a caregiver.

What ideas do you have? Are you a caregiver?

BigStock Photo Credit