Michael's dad loved spending time outdoors, keeping his yard tidy and working in his veggie garden. But he noticed his elderly father was having trouble doing some of these tasks. He was becoming increasingly tired, even breathless, doing simple jobs. So, he started pitching in more. He would spend his weekends cleaning his dad’s gutters and mowing the lawn. As time went on, he started to do more and more for his father. Soon, he found himself handling his father’s errands then his laundry and meals.
Nadia was at work, one day, when she got a call from the school nurse that her child had been transported to the hospital. She raced to the children’s ward where a doctor informed her that her son had type 1 diabetes and was in the middle of an acute crisis. Her son recovered from the crisis without serious complications. But in the coming weeks, Nadia had to learn how to navigate the medical system, advocate for her child, and apply to cover the cost of insulin.
Sometimes, becoming a caregiver starts gradually, like it did for Michael. Other times, a sudden crisis can lead you to become a caregiver in the blink of an eye.
Regardless of how it happens, caregiving is often overwhelming and exhausting. And, as well as the physical tiredness, the emotional aspect of caring can sap your energy. But here are some things that, as a caregiver, you should know.
