The odds of becoming a caregiver are increasing. Caregiving is a 24 hour, 7 day a week job. It can be frustrating, exhausting, emotionally draining and include periods of despair, anger and resentment. It also can be extremely rewarding, fulfilling, and filled with love and hope.

Depending on the specific needs of the person you are caring for, caregiving responsibilities may include many different types of help such as:

• round-the-clock supervision

• supervision of others who provide care

• shopping

• transportation

• lifting, bathing, dressing, and feeding

• financial and legal management and advice

• administering medication, supervision of medication, medication reminders

• arranging for healthcare

• telephone reassurance

• listening, talking, and providing emotional support

Caregiving may begin unexpectedly when your loved one suffers a physical or mental illness or injury that limits their independence. Or, the responsibilities of a caregiver may develop gradually and increase over time as your loved one’s health declines. In either case, most caregivers are thrust into the situation without planning for it. They learn their skills "on the job." Caregivers frequently must change their lives in some major or minor way to help their loved one.