It is estimated that over twenty-two million people are helping older people stay in their own homes as opposed to a nursing home.  Further it is estimated that 80% of that care is given by a family member or relative.

It is important to note that the role of caregiver is not one to be taken lightly.  There are agencies out there that can help you. One is the area agency on aging, located at http://www.n4a.org/defau lt.cfm This site can give you links to help sites dealing with taking care of an ill or physically challenged loved one.

Caregiving is a stessfull job that requires a great deal of sacrifice on both parts, the caregiver and the person who receives the care.

When a person makes a decision to become a caregiver, it should be made out of love, not guilt.  For example "My mom took care of me", Now it is my turn to take care of her. 

I speak from expierence.  I have been taking care of a crtical ill spouse for over fifteen years now.  I do it out of love.  It is a demanding job.  You must be prepared to change your lifestyle as you know it.   Time is one thing that is consumed by giving care to a loved one.  You can become stessed out after a period of time.  It is essential that you join a support group, or have someone to talk to. 

Do not forget about the feelings the person has who you are taking care of. They sure lose alot of dignity and personal freedom when they become dependent on someone to take care of their daily needs, such as bathing, eating, shopping, paying bills etc.

One area you may wish to consider is a Power of Attorney.  This may become necessary if the person you are caring for does not have the physical or mental capability to handle money or health related matters. This type of agreement can become disaterous if the person involved misuses the trust placed in their hands by an ill person.  There are legal aid lawyers available to help with the proper drafting and execttion of such a document.

Many if not most states now recognize living wills.  These are documents that set forth in advance the wishes of a person who may at some time down the line no longer be able to make medical decisions for themselves. This can be a lifesaver when it comes to making proper medical decisions.

Most major hospitals have social workers available to help you contact the correct people to get the type of help you are going to need to take care of a loved one or relative.  In addition to that there are many resources in the phonebook under government agencies that you can contact to get the most help you can.

In my case I get help from two different agencies.  One is the Visiting Nurse Association, and the other is a local Home Health provider.  Your family physcian can help you get the help you need by providing the necessary documentation required for this help.

In any case it is important that both the caregiver and the person who is to receive the care discuss with the physician exactly what will be needed in terms of type of care etc.  Sit down and talk to your loved one and the doctor.  Make sure you know what is going to be involved before making a firm comitment.

My wife has an excellent page on Multiple Sclerosis which you may find of help.  I know several people have emailed her thanking her for the courage to tell her story.  It has inspired others to tell theirs. You can find it at listed below

Remember you are not alone in taking care of a loved one.  There are millions of other people just like you who do the same thing day after day. Look around in your community and find local support groups to join and share your thoughts with.

I have done a site on caregiving as it has affected me. Please see my link below. 

Welcome to the ranks of the caregivers.  May you get the help you need and have the strength and courage to continue.

Frank & Mary Lou

Here are some Great Sites we have found on Caregiving

1. Chronic Illness By Mary Lou Lunger
2. Caregiver By Frank Lunger
3. The Life of a Caregiver By KemperG
4. Caregiving.com
5. Family Caregiving Alliance
6. ElderCare CareGiver Websites
7. AdultCare
8. Financial Caregiving Things You Should Know
9. Life Resources
10. The Impact Of Caregiving

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