“There are four kinds of people in this world:
Those who have been caregivers;
Those who currently are caregivers;
Those who will be caregivers; and
Those who will need caregivers.”
-Rosalynn Carter

Who is a Caregiver?

Caregivers provide support to someone who needs help. It doesn’t matter how many hours per week are spent providing support.  Caring for a family member or friend is not easy, nor is it something most of us are prepared to do.  Learning about being a caregiver may help you provide the care your friend or loved one needs.

What It Means To Be a Caregiver at the End of Life

Dying is a natural part of life, and may be filled with mixed emotions, and times of reflection for both the dying person and caregiver. Caregivers often experience a variety of feelings, including:

• Loss, grieving the loss of the person who is sick and feeling a sense of loss of your life before the illness.

• Acceptance of what is happening, including your role as a caregiver with new demands and duties.

• Letting go of hopes for a long-term future with the person who is sick, of life before being a caregiver.

• Finding purpose and meaning in the experience. Providing care for someone who is dying can be personally rewarding even in the midst of grieving losses and balancing the demands of caregiving. 

Providing Care.   As a caregiver you may need to provide for all aspects of your loved one’s comfort. People who are near the end of life have complex needs so it is important to know various ways to provide support. Hospice of Hilo is here to support you and your loved one on this journey.

Call Hospice of Hilo at 969-1733 for more information and to find support.

Click here for helpful resources for caregivers.

 
*excerpted from Caring Connections (www.caringinfo.org).
 

It is our mission to be an integral part of the community, providing compassionate, quality end-of-life care through support, counseling and education.