Being a caregiver or being cared for: there’s really no escape hatch.
In my post, President Obama says the “A” word: Alzheimer’s, I provided some Alzheimer’s statistics that focus on those who are predicted to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or other dementia in the years to come. I also talked about caregiver statistics.
One statistic that really resonates with me is the following: a new caregiver is set into action every 33 seconds because someone will develop Alzheimer’s every 33 seconds. In actuality, the stats are far greater than that. Caregivers are “created” every second of the day because there are countless diseases requiring the assistance of someone just like you and me – an unpaid caregiver for a loved one. I use the distinction of “unpaid” so as not to be confused with those who work as caregivers in the health care industry.
The following statement is attributed to former First Lady of the United States, Rosalynn Carter:
There are only four kinds of people in the world – those who have been caregivers,
those who are currently caregivers,
those who will be caregivers, and
those who will need caregivers.
I really don’t think there’s any way around it. How about you? Have you dodged the caregiver or being-cared-for bullet yet?
This entry was posted in 21st Century Living, Alzheimer's/Dementia, Caregiving, Community outreach, Family issues, Health & Wellness, Personal Struggles, Quality of Life and tagged Alzheimer's, Alzheimer's disease, Barack Obama, Caregiver Support, caregiving, Conditions and Diseases, diseases, Neurological Disorders, President Obama.
9 thoughts on “Being a caregiver or being cared for: there’s really no escape hatch.”
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Living: the ultimate team sport 
April 10, 2013 at 2:36 pm
[…] Being a caregiver or being cared for: there’s really no escape hatch. (babyboomersandmore.com) […]
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March 25, 2013 at 7:00 pm
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March 6, 2013 at 1:59 pm
[…] Being a caregiver or being cared for: there’s really no escape hatch. (babyboomersandmore.com) […]
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March 3, 2013 at 8:59 am
[…] Being a caregiver or being cared for: there’s really no escape hatch. […]
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March 3, 2013 at 9:27 am
Thank you for including my article on your site – which looks very intriguing! Consider me a follower from this point forward.
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February 19, 2013 at 3:50 pm
I started following this blog because my mother has Alzheimer’s and I appreciate your stories. I am not her caregiver, though I am involved and support my father, who is her primary caregiver.
Just as I was about to visit them this month, my daughter broke her leg, and so I am currently spending three weeks as HER caregiver instead!
We never know what direction our lives will take, but at some point caregiving will be a part of it. It’s the who and the when that is a mystery.
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February 19, 2013 at 4:41 pm
Indeed, caregiving is an inevitable part of our lives. It is fortunate, however, that the good of humanity – such as yourself – will rise to the task when the “who” is in need.
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February 18, 2013 at 5:50 pm
I watched my mom care for her mom after a horrible stroke and thought “I could never do this.” Two years later I became one of my mom’s caregivers as she battled against pancreatic cancer. You never really know the power of love until you are placed in certain situations.
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February 18, 2013 at 6:27 pm
The cycle of life goes on, and on, and on. Bless you Kathy.
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