What Is A Caregiver?

What Qualities Does A Caregiver Need To Have? | Reach Out

I recently had the chance to consider all the various caregiving situations there are out there. I have been the primary caregiver of my parents and recently a back up caregiver giving support to the main caregiver in charge of a family member with a terminal illness. Caregiving takes on many faces and situations. It can be as simple as checking in on an elderly or disabled neighbor every few days or as complex as providing 24/7 care for a spouse, parent, child or client. It can be a full time job or a pinch hitter situation. Caregivers come in all different sizes, shapes and ages and their faces are those of family members, friends, professionals, and even strangers on a moments notice. Essentially all caregivers share similar qualities and skill sets. They are all dependable, tireless, responsible, kind, compassionate, loving, patient, resilient and open to change. They rarely give up the fight no matter what the circumstances. Even those who come to the job reluctantly soldier on because they feel it in their bones that they need to show up for someone. Caregivers are both built and pre-made. Some of them come out of the box and express caregiver qualities all their lives. Others surprise themselves and those around them by unexpectedly stepping up to the plate when someone is needed and hit it out of the park. Both types seem to possess endless ability to show up and get the job done. They almost always create lasting and indelible positive impressions on everybody around them. They express grace under fire and make what could be a painful and lonely journey for someone a journey of love and comfort.

So what is a caregiver?

My definition of a caregiver is an angel walking on this earth who stops and takes time out of their own life to reach out and help another with theirs. Whether it is serving food to someone who is hungry or holding the hand of someone who is in pain or making calls to health insurance companies and doctors offices, these are the acts that define caregiving. Once you reach out to help someone else you have joined the ranks of caregivers. So when you look at the tired and worried face in the mirror in the morning know that the face of a miracle worker and angel is staring back at you. See the strength, courage, goodness, and love in your eyes and know you are blessed and protected because you are making the world a better place. You are a caregiver.