04/14/2018 - Caregiving and its impact - by Kathi Dunlap
Caregiving and its impact - by Kathi Dunlap
Caregiving for parents, a spouse, or your children in need is rarely a "sought after" position. Of course, we want to help and to be there for them, but it is often a HUGE disruption to our lives.
My mom was diagnosed with lung cancer when I was 33 and pregnant with my 3rd child. I cared for her in a hands-on role for 5 months before she died. It was incredibly difficult physically and emotionally and I know that my young family suffered from my frequent absence and stress. I wasn't employed outside the home at that point, but I was homeschooling my older children.
Fast forward 20 years. I wonder if I could replicate that level of devotion if my father-in-law were to become ill. I would want to. I would be committed to helping him maintain time at home as long as possible. But I wonder how it would work in reality. I'm now working and helping to maintain our family business. I'm older and not as physically strong.
There are many people who face this reality every day. They do difficult things, make financial sacrifices, and take on the strain of caregiving -- either because it is a deeply held priority in their life OR because they have no alternative.
Please take a moment to read this white paper on Informal care giving and home health care. If you'd like to have a discussion with Gary about your options, we'd be happy to talk with you.