Who can provide care to a senior? It's not a trick question! Truly, anybody who is willing and able to do so. In today's society, we, typically, think first of close family members providing eldercare ... maybe a daughter is now handling the banking, a son is shovelling sidewalks clear of snow or a husband is helping his wife get bathed and dressed in the morning.
Many other people can - and do - become directly or indirectly involved with eldercare. I am thinking of friends, extended family and even neighbours who can also help share the responsibilities. A friend of mine and fellow writer (you can find her on-line at http://kenna-thescribe.blogspot.com) in-fact mentioned to me once that she regularly visits an elderly woman. As this woman is going blind, one thing my friend does is open and read her mail. Does my friend consider herself a caregiver? Ironically, no. I would argue with her; however, she chooses to remain anonymous.
Is this just the way life works? Why do some people not classify themselves as caregivers? No matter whether you are extended family, a friend or a neighbour, you still play an important role in the entire process of aiding a loved one. Please recognize and acknowledge this.
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