CAREGIVERS: A Valued and Cherished Duty

Written by Susan Hurd and Tim Fisher

Caregivers, both paid and unpaid, play a crucial yet often unrecognized role in our communities. They support individuals who have previously served their communities, enabling them to live fulfilling lives in the most appropriate environment for as long as possible. Caregivers possess a diverse range of skills, knowledge, compassion, communication abilities and adaptability. As Rosalyn Carter wisely stated, there are essentially four types of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who currently are caregivers, those who will become caregivers, and those who require caregivers.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2019, one in four adults served as caregivers for someone living with a chronic health condition, including dementia. Among these individuals, a quarter dedicated at least 20 hours per week to caregiving responsibilities. Three-quarters of caregivers performed household tasks such as grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, medication pickups, and assistance with bills. Half of the caregivers provided personal care, including bathing, toileting, dressing, mobility support, and more. The demand for caregivers within our community is significant. These statistics personally concern me, as I have witnessed the impact of caregiving on my own life, both personally and professionally, as well as on our communities.

During my upbringing, I observed my mother caring for my maternal grandmother, who battled a chronic illness. Later, she extended her care to my paternal grandmother, who eventually moved in with us while experiencing the different stages of dementia. In my twenties, as a single mother and college student, I followed in my mother’s footsteps, juggling work schedules, college classes, and childcare to ensure my mother’s access to numerous medical appointments, chemotherapy, radiation treatments, pharmacy visits, hospitalizations, shopping, meal preparation, and more until she sadly passed away due to complications from cancer.

These experiences, both educational and personal, have granted me a unique perspective on both the individuals receiving care and the quality of care they receive. After my mother’s passing, my father required assistance with laundry, cleaning, medication management, physician appointment reminders, and bill payments. All this while I maintained my own household, cared for my children, worked, and volunteered. Eventually, my father underwent a surgical procedure and decided to live with me until my ability to provide the necessary care diminished due to another chronic illness.

I must emphasize that I am not an isolated case; there are thousands of children and family members who support their loved ones daily, just as I did. Do I have any regrets about what I did for my parents? Absolutely not. It was an honor for me to provide care for the two individuals who, through their health challenges, shaped me into the fierce advocate I am today for vulnerable individuals.

However, I do regret not seeking help earlier in my caregiving journey. I was unaware of the programs available at the Washington County Commission on Aging, Inc., which could have provided support not only to me but also to my aging parents as their health conditions progressed. Family caregiver support groups could have offered emotional support and strategies for approaching caregiving while maintaining boundaries to preserve my own well-being. Additionally, I could have accessed respite care through the Commission on Aging when I needed someone to cover for me while I was away. I could have reached out to the Maryland Access Point Staff to explore programs my father was eligible for and obtain referrals for in-home senior care services, such as cleaning and personal care.

Upon joining the team at the Washington County Commission on Aging, I was amazed by the multitude of opportunities available to assist individuals based on three fundamental criteria: age, income, and need. Ensuring that our aging community members feel valued and enabling them to maintain their homes is essential. By taking pride in their hard work and feeling safe in their homes, they can cherish the memories they have created. If you or someone you know is providing care for a loved one, I encourage you to reach out to the Commission on Aging. We are here to support both you and your loved one in aging with dignity within your community.

You can contact us at 301-790-0275 or email us at info@wccoaging.org.