How Many Hats Do Family Caregivers Wear?

Do you remember enjoying the classic Dr. Seuss book “The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins” from your childhood?  It came to mind today as I was thinking about how many hats we wear while caring for our aging parents. 

An Institute of Medicine report lists roles that many of us will find familiar:

• Companion
• Coach
• Homemaker
• Scheduler
• Driver
• Decision maker
• Coordinator
• Financial manager
• Health provider
• Attendant
• Monitor
• Patient Extender (the person who helps the patient fully explain him- or herself to the doctors, nurses or other providers)
• Technical interpreter (the person who helps doctors and other providers explain themselves to the patient)

Whew!  It may not actually be 500 hats, but it can certainly feel like it some days.  No wonder family caregivers are so stressed and exhausted at times! 

I thought of one more “hat” to add and that is Correspondent, or the person who writes and sends cards, notes and/or gifts to friends and family members.  I took over this role from my Mom as her Alzheimer’s Disease progressed and she could no longer do it herself.  I also call her friends to keep them updated on her life (and mine) from time to time.  E-mail makes it even easier to do this. 

Can you add other “jobs” to this list that you find yourself doing as you care for your aging parent?  Feel free to comment below.

Warmly,

Linda Abbit

 

 

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