Who has ever walked into life expecting to be a caregiver of a loved one? Suffice it to say very few. Life happens, we all face things we are not expecting. Whether it be a loved one such as an Aunt or uncle, maybe even a brother or sister, typically a parent and on occasion a spouse. Most caregivers don’t know they will be carrying that title until they wake up one day and realize that’s what they are.

It might start out slow like cutting mom’s lawn once a week. Then it moves into sorting mom’s medication’s in boxes marked “a.m.,” “p.m.,” and “bedtime.” Which eventually moves up to calling mom to make sure she’s taking her medications and your arranging a food service such as Meals on Wheels. At times it can work up to full-time caregiving, selling mom’s house and moving her in with you or into a facility that can best cater to her needs.

Yes, caregiving happens sometimes before we know it, meanwhile it’s  already sitting on our laps. We realize we are now switching roles with people we once saw as strong and capable, who now need more help than they can give themselves.

Caregiving does not necessarily have to be a full-time job. It doesn’t always have to be a slow progression ending in full-time care. Sometimes it is a short stint where someone just needs assistance until their strength is back. It can also be a drop into the middle of the ocean suddenly. An unforeseen health crisis of a loved one where you went from 0 to 100MPH!! Where one day all was fine and the next day you’re faced with multiple doctors, possible surgeries, therapies, appointments, and new medications you cannot pronounce.

You’re not alone. With over 52 million of us in the United States, you are not alone.

Now, to be clear, caregivers are not just people who care for loved ones at home. Caregivers are also paid, they work in long-term care facilities, hospitals, assisted living facilities, home healthcare and more. Caregiving is something that means so much to so many. Oftentimes, the paid caregiver is also the caregiver for loved ones too.

Very soon, I will be holding the title of caregiver for someone I love dearly*. It would be an honor to take you along the journey with me. Now complete honesty here, I’m going to keep this person private and not disclose sex, age or relation to me. My goal is to share with you my experience’s, research, thoughts, concerns and more. My personal journey.

I feel that if we as caregivers can have a place to discuss our feelings, perhaps we can find strength in each other.

What do I need from you? Assistance with ideas, advice, thoughts of my journey and how I can learn and care better for my loved one. The most important part is to please share YOUR OWN STORIES OF CAREGIVING**.

I have always wanted to create a caregiver community where we can support each other. Let’s start now.

So while we await this journey, I want you to watch a series on the Think Sarah! YouTube channel. This is Charlotte’s story who has decades and decades of experience in caregiving, not only for people she loves but also professionally. Charlotte’s 6 part story gives me strength and because of her I know I’m going to be a better caregiver. Please find the link to the playlist here.

It takes a village to care for others. Thank you for being part of my village.

Blessings,

Sarah

* If you know me and know who I am caregiving for, please respect our privacy and not disclose any information about them on social media or this website.

** Please tell your story, please also feel free to change names and some details to remain private, especially if your loved one/client has not given permission to share.