Definition:
Anyone who cares for and gives unpaid support to a family member, friend, or neighbour who is frail, ill, or disabled and who lives at home or in a care facility.

Things this care may include are:

• Visiting - in person or on the telephone
• Helping with shopping, banking cleaning, yard work, laundry
• Listening
• Writing letters or e-mails
• Driving to appointments
• Providing personal care - bathing, dressing, taking medications

Are some of you starting to identify? I'm sure that if you are you will know that this list does not cover all the things that you do for someone else - whether it be for an hour a day, several hours a day, or 24 hours a day/7 days a week.

Caregiving is not necessarily something we plan for in life but many times it is what we do in our lifetime. Sometimes it happens over a long period of time - starting with only one or two things and ending up with providing total care. Sometimes it happens in the blink of an eye as a result of a sudden change in health or an accident.

Caregivers may experience:
1. Changes:

• Relationships - spouse, children, friends, siblings, co-workers
• Location
• Social isolation - can't get out
• Possible job loss
• Loss of spontaneity

2. Feelings:

• Guilt
• Fear
• Anger
• Anxiety
• Self-pity
• Loneliness
• Impatience
• Depression
• Frustration
• Extreme fatigue
• Worry

3. Extra expenses:

• Costly medications
• Special foods for the restricted diet
• Equipment
• Gas and vehicle expense
• Respite care
• Home modifications or moving to a place that fits our special requirements
• Special vehicle adaptations

4. Joys:

• The rewards that come from knowing we've made someone's day a little brighter
• The bond that grows between caregiver and care receiver - a bond that goes beyond friendship - a bond that connects
• The personal growth that comes from knowing that we really can do many of the things we never thought we would be able to do