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As if caregiving does not have enough twists, turns and demands already without having to face this stark reality of kids as caregivers. I have met so many young people who find themselves at the epicenter of a family as caregiver. Whether the role is giving direct care, such as administering shots or medications, or translating to a health care professional for a parent or grandparent who does not speak English, the responsibilities are big and sometimes quite burdensome.

Long-distance caregiving is a whole other ball of wax. Not only is caregiving challenging, but trying to be responsible when you live miles away adds layers of stress and uncertainty. Many families gather for the holidays and using the face time with elders (or others that you care for from afar) to assess what is going on can bring clarity and a revised action plan for the new year.

New Book for Caregivers Highlights Sustenance and Hope

There are so many decision points with caregiving, some of which may “sneak up” on you. Sometimes it is hard to know exactly when your caregiving responsibilities began. Happily, most people don’t start a meter when they call Mom, check in on Dad, invite Grandma over for dinner once a week, take Uncle Joe to the doctor’s.

The call to care giving comes whether we are ready or not. And have you ever met anyone who was really ready? This is one of those roles that crosses our minds over the course of time, but does not compel us to action until we are faced squarely with situations that demand handling. This quality of not being “ready” is the great equalizer for us all in the category of care giving.

Care giving has so many faces.  Sometimes the role is purely emotional.  Sometimes it gets physical.  Sometimes it requires a daily phone call.  Sometimes it calls upon you to share your home.  Sometimes care giving costs you a lot of money.  Sometimes it costs you time and a piece of your soul.  In all cases, care giving is one of the most amazing things we do as humans.

As a new grandmother (again!), I find just how much I crave being around babies.  Our new little guy is just one month old with that indescribably soft skin and essence of perfection.  During one of my

"staring at Miles" sessions last week, I felt that rush of emotions that happens when we are in the presence of ourselves caring deeply for someone else. 

As if we needed reminding about our pocketbooks these days, here are
some reflections about caregiving and money, along with some tips on
how to stretch your dollars when looking for the right caregiving
products and services.