Am I a family caregiver?
Many people relate caregivers to only home attendants or home aides. Those people that have been state certified and are paid to care for someone. What you don't realize is that there are people who care for others and are not specially trained or not paid. These people are who we refer to as family caregivers. Also know that family caregivers don't mean that you have to be a "family member". You can be a family caregiver to family members, friends, or neighbors. Family caregivers come in all ages, races, and gender. A family caregiver does not have to live near the person they are caring for. Many family caregivers live out of town/state/country. Technology helps greatly in this aspect.
You are a family caregiver if you do any of the following:
- provide assistance with personal care (ie bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting)
- taking people to medical appointments or shopping
- being the advocate on your loved one's behalf
- frequent check-ups in-person or via phone
- assist with managing finances
- assist with household up-keep
- schedule medical appointments
- assist with managing medications (ie reminding, contacting pharmacy for refills, giving meds)