Managing the Caregiver Role

• You may have assumed the role of caregiving gradually, as an extension of the helpful things you often do for another person.
• You may be providing relief for someone you know who is a full-time caregiver.
• You may have become a caregiver unexpectedly due to a new illness or recent death of a family member.
• You may feel you have no choice about taking on a caregiving role.
• Your caregiving is affected by your own aging, health status, and grieving.
• Your caregiving is also affected the emotional ties, whether positive or negative, that you have with the person you care for.

With a population that is aging and changes in the health care system, caregiving is a new reality for many people. You may realize that you have taken on a huge responsibility only when you find yourself feeling very stressed or weary. Your responsibilities may include making important decisions on behalf of the person you care for as well as major changes in your own life to accommodate your caregiving role.

Whether you are already a caregiver, or planning ahead for this challenging and rewarding role, this site will help you to:

• consider the impact caregiving can have for you and your family
• get a handle on your role with a caregiver checklist
• find creative approaches to the physical and emotional demands
• monitor the stress of caregiving and recognize burnout
• access supports and resources