Dear Care-Friends....,

Sometimes caregivers are met with new responsibilities quite abruptly as a relative, partner or friend is diagnosed with an illness or perhaps met with an accident Given the unexpectedness of the situation, the caregiver now has quite a lot to learn at a super accelerated pace

The caregiver must now learn to;

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2.

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4.

5.

6.

Listen for both what is said and not said, Decipher a whole new range of indications for pain, hunger, joy, happiness, etc

Balance their own needs and desires with those of the person they are caring for, understand new medical terminology, medications, Shortcuts to try to make room for extra duties

Avoid pestering family members...

This list goes on as time passes. Then when it looks like they can’t possibly take any more we tell them to step up their self-care routines and practices. It makes you wonder where the resources, energy and capacity to take on all this come from

Please note, amidst all this, the healthcare system, family members, friends and the community are all focused on the ill person. Instead of concentrating on themselves, the caregiver focuses all their time and energy on caring for the sick person, paying attention to what the doctor has advised, what the visitors will need when they come to see the patient, and what the ill person themselves require They focus on everyone and everything but themselves.

Everyone should, in my opinion, pay the caregiver a little more attention. It is crucial for the medical personnel and others close to them to pay attention to the caregiver’s speech and demeanour because there might be indicators of fear, anxiety, or frustration there

Paying attention to the caregiver can allow others around them to understand the level of care they are able to provide as well as safeguard the quality of their care

As Prince Harry stated, “the most often overlooked are the most important to listen to.” Acknowledging and paying attention to the work of caregivers is vital in allowing us to ensure the safety and good health of both the caregiver and the person they are caring for.

There are two sides to every story and it’s time we start paying attention to both.