The challenges of caregiving

Caregiving is difficult because of all that it is wrapped up in. It’s not just one person caring for another, it’s one person caring for another within a political system that doesn’t see the necessity for supporting that caregiver, within a healthcare system that didn’t make space for the needs of caregivers and survives on expensive medical interventions, within an economic system that pays too little to workers to care for their loved ones, within a job economy that asks it’s workers to be cogs, and not humans.

Caregiving has many beautiful aspects, but those can absolutely be clouded by the hardship that is also endured and that can continue long after the person has died. We wish we had a magic solution for supporting and uplifting the caregivers in this country, but until then we’ll try be here for caregivers as needed and shining a light on this huge problem.

We post this not to be a total downer, but to be realistic about what people are facing and to send a huge hug to every caregiver who feels the way that Dana does in this post. And same hug goes to the patients who may feel like they are a burden. You’re not, the system in which you live has created burden, it’s not you.

Pissed? Fed-Up? We hear you. While we can’t alleviate those feelings, we urge you to direct those thoughts to your Senator: https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm

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Learn more about our services and see how Mettle Health can help you, or someone you’re caring for, by booking a short 20-minute complimentary consultation to discuss your situation with one of our counselors and find the best fit for future appointment types. You can join solo, or bring others in the care circle.