Yes, I'm a Family Caregiver

That's a statement I would never have thought of before. Not that I didn't always help my parents whenever I could. I helped because they were my parents who raised me and loved me and for whom I, as their child, would do what I could to support them. Over the years this support grew from doing chores in and around their home to doing more to help with their needs; taking them to the doctor and understanding their health condition. All of this happened gradually and increasing over the years.
 
My dad had passed away many years ago from a chronic illness. We, the kids, were young adults trying to establish ourselves in the world so our mom shouldered most of the burden of caring for my dad. We did what we could to help. With dad gone, we knew there would be a big adjustment in her life and did what we could to support her. As time went by, we wanted to do more to make sure mom was safe and happy as can be while maintaining her independence. We felt helping her maintain independence would make her happier and provide her with a greater quality of life and, of course, reduce her dependence on us.
 
In the process of doing research, I came across a report that said most people who are family caregivers don't self-identify. At first, I didn't understand what that meant. I ended up realizing that the things I was doing over the past few years were tasks that family caregivers do. Granted, my level of burden is low for a family caregiver but by realizing I am one helps me focus on getting help where I need it. The greatest thing I realized is that there are a lot of information and support resources available for family caregivers in the community and on the Internet. The challenge, though, is figuring out what I need and where do I find the best solution for my mom. I am still working on that but now I start the conversation with...
 
“Hello, I am a family caregiver...”