I get this question a lot: “Do I call myself a caregiver?”
For some, that label feels like it must be earned. “I must provide a lot of hands-on care to call myself a caregiver.”
For some, that label feels off the mark. “I’m helping my wife. It’s what I do as a husband.”
For me, I simply said, “I help my parents.” I chose not to add a label but rather share what my life looks like right now.
It’s okay to decide what label feels right for you. You don’t have to earn it or prove it or defend it. Because it’s your choice, it’s right for you. You may want to call yourself a caregiver. You may feel better calling yourself a care partner helping a spouse.
I believe it’s more important to name what you do and how you feel. You manage caregiving responsibilities and emotions. That’s a ton of pressure on you. It’s a lot for one person to integrate into a day and into your life. It’s important to consider what help and support you may need and think through what help and support your caree may need.
When you consider all you do and how that feels, you can take action so you have what helps you feel better. You also can take steps to add in the right help for your caree.
You get to choose what to call yourself during this time of your life. You also get to name all you do and feel so you receive what you need.
What do you do and feel?
Resources
- The Identity Question
- Our interactive tools help you create plans, share a private truth and receive comforting messages.
- Image by Mediamodifier from Pixabay
