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In 2019, my brother and I found ourselves as caregivers for our Mom after she endured a lengthy hospital stay due to cancer and a severe infection that nearly took her life. After her time in rehab, where she relearned basic skills like walking, eating, and drinking, the real work began. While there were nurses and therapists to assist, the bulk of her care fell to our family.
I vividly recall the first time we had to take her back to her oncologist, a daunting hour-long drive to a location two counties away, while she was still in a wheelchair. Lacking an accessible vehicle, I turned to the facility’s social worker for help. He informed me that transportation services only operated within county lines and suggested I search online for alternatives.
Overwhelmed doesn’t even begin to describe our feelings during those early days. Juggling my Mom’s care, my job, and my own family responsibilities left me feeling completely drained. Fast forward to today, and caregivers are grappling with a whole new range of challenges. How can they ensure their loved ones remain safe? How do they meet their needs amidst ever-shifting circumstances? With so much of their time devoted to caring for others, when can they find a moment for self-care?
The Struggles of Caregivers
The early days of the pandemic saw us only leaving home for essential doctor visits or to pick up medications. We worried about every interaction, even cleaning our groceries. Now, caregivers must do this twice—once for themselves and once for those they look after. This reality isn’t just unique to a few; millions of unpaid caregivers are out there, looking after parents, grandparents, spouses, or children. According to a Vox.com article, an estimated 47.9 million Americans, nearly 20%, are unpaid caregivers.
The physical and mental toll of caregiving is immense. During the pandemic’s onset, every action felt like a calculated risk. Some caregivers relied on in-home services, but how safe was that? With physical therapists and nurses visiting multiple homes, the potential for exposure loomed large. Were these caregivers asymptomatic? Had they unknowingly brought COVID-19 into a vulnerable household?
There are just too many uncertainties to continue relying on outside assistance as before. Alarmingly, 61% of those 47.9 million caregivers are women, a demographic already disproportionately affected by the pandemic. The combination of physical labor and emotional strain often leaves little room for caregivers to focus on their own well-being.
Mental health, particularly during this time, often takes a backseat for caregivers. As noted in the same article, nearly half of family caregivers report experiencing psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.
How We Can Support Caregivers
Caregivers aren’t looking for financial compensation or recognition. They may not even vocalize their needs. However, one simple request can make a significant difference: please get vaccinated and wear a mask. These actions are not too much to ask. When everyone prioritizes safety, caregivers can feel more secure taking their loved ones outside for fresh air.
If you’ve never been a caregiver, it’s hard to understand the weight of that responsibility. Let’s do our part to support those who care for others. It’s time to stop letting them down and recognize the selfless work they do. If you know a caregiver, consider small acts of kindness. Can you help with their children’s activities? Maybe prepare a meal to ease their burden. At the very least, wear a mask in public spaces and get vaccinated if you haven’t already. We are all in this together, right?
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In summary, caregivers are facing unprecedented challenges, especially during the pandemic. The emotional and physical demands are overwhelming, and the need for community support has never been greater. Simple actions, like getting vaccinated and offering help, can significantly lighten the load for those who are tirelessly caring for others.