Many people don’t know if they are a caregiver or not. In all honesty there are many definitions, so I will just provide an overview. A caregiver is someone who takes care of another person. The caregiver provides a service or fulfills a need for someone who has a physical, psychosocial, or special need and they cannot carry out all of their daily tasks without relying on other people. A caregiver is a parent who has children at home, putting pills into pill containers so that your mom can keep track of her medications, cutting Dads lawn once a week and then preparing some meals for him. Care giving can be having someone live with you full-time for care, or it could be you living with someone full-time, taking care of them. Care giving can be for employment as well. Caregivers who work in the field of nursing, hospital work or long-term care are also in need of support and services. If you fall within any of the above descriptions, which are not exhaustive, you’re a caregiver. Welcome to the club!.

Many people feel that what they are doing, caring for others, is a rarity and that they are standing on an island, surrounded by a sea of people that don’t understand. Many caregivers feel like they are alone, that nobody else on the planet understands them. That could not be further from the truth. There was a report published in 2023 by the United States Census Bureau that found over “50 million” Americans consider themselves a caregiver and a majority of them claim they provide volunteer services to others. Volunteer caregivers provide the care for someone else receiving no compensation for their efforts. Reading this report is highly recommended, the data is fascinating and eye opening. The best take away is, you are not alone.

Providing care for another can be the most rewarding and draining job you will ever have. Caregivers receive the priceless benefit of getting to know their loved ones in a more intimate way. Spending time with people during prolonged periods gives you a chance to learn about their past, dreams, regrets and future plans. Being a caregiver is a sacred responsibility. There are resources out there to help you, to support you and to empower you. These resources can sometimes be elusive or overwhelming and that is why Think Sarah! is here. Through videos, articles, the Think Sarah! website library and blogs, we will unpack all of the information and have it in one easy to navigate site. If you look at the blogs, articles or library and you feel as though something is missing, or if you have a question, please send me an email at [email protected]. This is a community group and all assistance is appreciated.

Here is the link to the YouTube video that was posted as part of this blog post. 

Take a deep breath, you've got this, now go take on the day. 

Blessings, 
Sarah DeD