Family and Professional Caregivers Are More Alike Than Different
Most of us who are family caregivers know that, while we often experience a sense of fulfillment when we provide care for our loved ones, there’s also a significant risk of emotional and physical burnout. Elder care experts and caregiving veterans urge those new to this role to seek out respite opportunities early on, but many family caregivers are wary of putting their loved ones’ care in a stranger’s hands.
If an adult child or spouse is struggling to care for their parent or significant other, how is it that a professional caregiver would be able to understand this person’s nuanced care needs, devote themselves to meeting them and exercise compassion for their situation? At first glance, a stranger may seem ill equipped to take on this very personal task, but you might be surprised. You may also be surprised to learn that professional caregivers are also at risk for occupational hazards like burnout.
A Family Caregiver’s Experiences with Professional Caregivers
As a family caregiver, I faced the task of placing several loved ones in a quality nursing home near where I lived. Over the years, I came to know many professional caregivers very well. They treated me with kindness and respect, and I did my best to be the type of family member who helped without interfering and respected their professionalism. In many cases, I was stunned by their unwavering ability to power through this difficult job, even as they continually faced the illness, pain and eventual deaths of people they’d grown to care about.
Examples crowd my mind as I write because I saw so much dedication and concern while observing these skilled and compassionate people. However, the first and perhaps most touching experience that comes to mind happened with my uncle’s primary Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Holly. As my uncle slipped over the…
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“An inspiring read for caregivers! Minding Our Elders is a series of stories about caregiving. But it is much more than that. It’s a book that helps us view aging and community through the lens of someone well versed in eldercare. Author Carol Bradley Bursack has been a caregiver for a neighbor and six elderly members of her family. These experiences made her the perfect person to interview and share the stories of friends and acquaintances. Through crisp writing and a sharp focus, we enter the lives of those struggling to care for loved ones with dementia and other age-related illnesses. As I read Minding Our Elders, I felt myself filling up with both appreciation and admiration for those who adopt the caregiving role. In addition, I was struck with the inherent value Carol sees in our elders. This is a well-written book that will stir your heart!” …Ann C
