Oh my, you've written about the very topic I've been considering writing about for my next post! What is a caregiver? And how I sometimes feel an imposter compared to those doing hands on personal care, and yet.....i have a myriad responsibilities that would be considered care. I'll tag you in on that post when I write it (next post scheduled for this weekend if i can find the time!)
Siobhan, I'm so eager to read your thoughts! It seems we're on the same wavelength, living similar experiences, and I'd love to hear your take on this!
"So I’ve made peace with the old question … by asking a new one: *How is all this* not *caregiving?*
I’m reclaiming my identity as a caregiver and considering it an honor.."
I proactively told a friend & others 'you're still a caregiver when you're organising finances, care etc at a distance. I know from a good friend, how difficult caregiving at a distance can be, especially sandwiched. It would be amazing if this human-inter relationship of care—giving and care—taking and care—receiving and community could be re-established as essential intergenerational community dynamics! Perhaps another angle for another article ;-)
Yes, you are exactly right, Victoria! Why is it that I (and perhaps your friend) was feeling that caregiving was only legit when it involved hands-on -- as in physical -- effort? The mental/emotional/time load is a huge part of caregiving.
What you're suggesting -- that caregiving, caretaking, care-receiving and community are absolutely essential across the generations -- is certainly true. What I think we need, in part, is an acknowledgement (warning?) in our younger years that it's coming, so we can prepare/plan for it, and then, when it arrives, community support to help us through.
I keep asking, how did I not see this season of life coming? And of course the next question is, how do I keep all these balls in the air??
Oh my, you've written about the very topic I've been considering writing about for my next post! What is a caregiver? And how I sometimes feel an imposter compared to those doing hands on personal care, and yet.....i have a myriad responsibilities that would be considered care. I'll tag you in on that post when I write it (next post scheduled for this weekend if i can find the time!)
Siobhan, I'm so eager to read your thoughts! It seems we're on the same wavelength, living similar experiences, and I'd love to hear your take on this!
SO true, Sarah!
"So I’ve made peace with the old question … by asking a new one: *How is all this* not *caregiving?*
I’m reclaiming my identity as a caregiver and considering it an honor.."
I proactively told a friend & others 'you're still a caregiver when you're organising finances, care etc at a distance. I know from a good friend, how difficult caregiving at a distance can be, especially sandwiched. It would be amazing if this human-inter relationship of care—giving and care—taking and care—receiving and community could be re-established as essential intergenerational community dynamics! Perhaps another angle for another article ;-)
Yes, you are exactly right, Victoria! Why is it that I (and perhaps your friend) was feeling that caregiving was only legit when it involved hands-on -- as in physical -- effort? The mental/emotional/time load is a huge part of caregiving.
What you're suggesting -- that caregiving, caretaking, care-receiving and community are absolutely essential across the generations -- is certainly true. What I think we need, in part, is an acknowledgement (warning?) in our younger years that it's coming, so we can prepare/plan for it, and then, when it arrives, community support to help us through.
I keep asking, how did I not see this season of life coming? And of course the next question is, how do I keep all these balls in the air??
So timely for me. Thank you, Sarah.
I'm glad it was! Take good care, Melanie.