What is a “caregiver“? Someone who is involved in helping someone else manage to carry out the tasks of living. It sounds so simple, doesn’t it? For the caregiver, it is anything but easy or simple.
Let’s be honest. Being a caregiver is a tough job. Being a caregiver to aging parents is even tougher. Not that we don’t love our parents. Of course we do, or trust me, we would not undertake the caregiver role.
It’s stressful because of a lifetime of family dynamics. The emotions and memories, happy or sad, have a way of coming to the surface when least expected.
Who knew that providing TLC to loved ones could be this stressful? How stressful is it? Well, caregivers are at an increased risk of depression and burnout.
BY KAREN COOK
