People are starting to talk about caregiving. A recent Forbes article highlighted how 40 million family caregivers in the US are putting their own careers on hold to provide unpaid care — sometimes for decades. As a result these family caregivers could find themselves unable to provide for themselves in the future.
Our community had some strong reactions to this piece. Here’s what they had to say:
Lost careers
Savings gone. My professional career went out the door. Don’t know when I get back in the workforce if I will ever make the same salary. I know I wont be able to live off social security. It’s isolation right now. Caregivers are forgotten, like vets are. When caregivers go back into the workforce, they should be given priority, because, same as vets, they gave up their lives to take care of something/someone, very important. – Donna D.
I have been a caregiver 24/7 for my 84 year old Mom who has Alzheimer’s for over 6 years now and I would do it again without a problem. Careers and money come and go, but not our parents. – Concepcion O.
As an only child, I had to quit my $60,000+ a year job three years ago to care for my mom who fell ill from an invisible disease. She was 62 when she had to quit her job of $80,000 a year because she couldn’t make it thru the day and had to stop her education (she was near completing her doctorate degree). I now need to get a job to help support us but I’m having a hard time. I’ve been turned down for jobs because people fear I’ll be unreliable because I have a sick parent. It’s very troubling. I wish there was more support for us. – Lisa C.
It is virtually impossible to be a responsible worker in a paying job and be a full time caregiver for our loved ones – in my case, both of my parents. – Julie F.
Caregiving to special needs children also predominantly falls to women who often can’t hold down employment due to medical and special education needs. – Christine B.
I’m in my late 50’s and don’t have a clue what I’m going to do to survive my “old age.” Who’s going to hire me at whatever age I am when she passes with the employment gap on my resume? – Sherry H.
I quit work in 2007 [to care for my parents and father-in-law]. I estimate that it’s cost me about 300k in earnings, not to mention losing out on 401K matches, the lost Social Security money, and most certainly a raise or two. That’s money I’ll never get back. So when people ask me why I don’t “just sell” my parent’s house and “put Dad in a home. Besides, that money should be spent on him, not you”, I tell them this is why. My husband and I are going to need that money for our future. Are we supposed to suffer in our old age because I was a good daughter? I think not. – Carole H.
I left a retail management position with benefits and took on poverty while looking out for my father’s best interests. – Ronda R.
Lost savings
I have been unpaid for about 8 years now…and at 55 years old my savings is tapped out. It is devastating…and I am still caregiving. – Jennien S.
Took care of my mother for eleven years, didn’t work for some of those years, worked part time for others. Now she’s gone and I’m in my sixties and trying desperately to make up for lost time, slogging away at a fulltime job I hate when I should be thinking about retiring, but the reality is, that’s never going to happen. I don’t regret caring for her and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat if only she were here. But I wish I had been able to take more care for my own future. – Elaine B.
Ineligible for benefits
I took care of my dad for 16 years (he passed last August). I was notified by Social Security that I am ineligible for any sort of disability (should I ever need it, God forbid), until I work my 40 quarters all over again. I’m 47 now and between not being a kid and being out of the “workforce” all those years, I am having a hard time finding a job. I don’t have friends to go out with (not that I even have money to go out with) and obviously, I never had my own family. I’m having to start all over while others I know are planning their retirement. However, as much as it all sucks, I would do it all over in a heartbeat to make sure my dad was well taken care of. – Katherine D.
I took care of my special needs child for 30 years till he moved into heaven with Jesus. I then went to work as a caregiver. Looking back, I gained a lot of memories and unconditional love from my son, but I have lost a lot. I am 54 years old with no retirement. I haven’t built up SS due not to working them years. I now work and can build up SS and a private retirement (my company don’t offer retirement) but i know in the end it won’t be enough to take care of me in my old age. – Trish M.
I’m of the belief that you should be able to care for your parents without giving up your own future. It’s all fine and well to say “money comes and goes”, but you still need it to survive in this world of ours. It would be nice if someone, somewhere realized that if we are giving up everything for our parents/husbands/wives/children/siblings/friends now, WE will be the ones going on government aid in the future. That’s 40 million more (and climbing) applying for welfare at any given time. – Carole H.
While so many of us do this caregiving thing, we go without compensation which means we’re not contributing to Social Security (through things like FICA tax withholding). I haven’t worked outside the home in 7, almost 8 years now while caring for my wife. I’m in my 50’s (she was diagnosed at 54) so I’m spending what would have been my peak earnings years appearing as unemployed and I assume that means I’m decreasing what benefits I’ll get from SS later in life (if I manage to stay alive that long!). That just don’t seem right to me. – Mark B.
Unpaid caregivers worry about
I’ve been a caregiver for my Mom for years now.. unpaid. I worry about ever being able to retire. I’m also single, and there’s always that thought about what will happen if/when I need help. Then there are the feelings of isolation when people rarely come around, and they just tell you that their lives are busy and they can’t. I bet they can make time to play games on Facebook though. – Ed R.
I haven’t been able to look for work in months because mom is a full time job. Some friends can’t be bothered to check in, but they’re masters of Candy Crush on their phones. – Nilsia C.
Caregiving is valuable experience
The pay stinks, and we don’t get vacations, but it’s a very important job. And I’d like to think it’s all made me a better person for if I do find that woman who wants to put up with me. – Ed R.
Becoming professional caregivers
Caring for my mom gave me experience to get me a job as a caregiver for someone else, I have been to school and tried other jobs but it seems like once you care for someone it really changes you and you become really sensitive to the feelings of our seniors and you want to do the best you can for them, I don’t get paid much and may not qualify for medical unless I get full time hours after 90 days, but this is the only job I seem suited best for anymore. – Clare W.
I’ve had a few family members tell me I would make a good CMA. Seniors definitely need more who care… so something to do with that may be an option in the future. – Ed R.
Self help is the best help ~ form a group and try to help each other ~ Lots of Love n
Hugs
I have always been self employed so I can help others and work with them on what they can pay. Care Givers that really care about people know it’s not about how much money you get but that you do your best for the patient. I love my job. Granted I’m never gonna be able to retire but I can sure help a lot of people who need me.
I have always been self employed so I can help others and work with them on what they can pay. Care Givers that really care about people know it’s not about how much money you get but that you do your best for the patient. I love my job. Granted I’m never gonna be able to retire but I can sure help a lot of people who need me.~ Susan
Self help is the best help ~ form a group and try to help each other ~ Lots of Love n Hugs.
I am so there! Nobody told me that I would be ruined in so many ways being a caregiver. How do you pick up the pieces of grains of sand?
Yep.
Ha ! My brothers (twins) swore that I was getting paid to care for Mom and that my Dad left Mom “sitting pretty” financially.
He actually had her sign papers that she would not get a penny of his money. They tell me that I am a spoiled B. They never offered us help in any way and we raised one of their sons. Now they have even turned him against us. Eleven years …my husband and I took care of Mom. She was a complete angel. We took care of Dad prior to taking her in. They gave him 4 mo.s to live…lung and bone cancer. He made it almost exactly to that day.
One of them left the day she passed and didn’t stay for her funeral. The other one showed up drunk and shoved both my husband and me right in front of the casket.
They have told me that in their eyes I am dead.
All this GREED and there was no money.
If anyone is taking care of a veteran, the VA will pay a certain amount of money towards caregivers or “sitters”. I’m pretty sure that includes family members that are doing the work.
Caregiver for Mom for 9 years now. Gave up my own place to live, a good full time job and many friends to relocate. Very little help from government. Now working part time making little money and trying to keep an old house sound. No regrets making the decision to take care of her. Once she is gone, will have to sell the house as per her wishes, try to find a place to live and have no idea where I’ll go. Just hoping to stay alive long enough to collect some Social Security and perhaps acquire a taste for cat food.
Dog food has a better taste and nicer smell lol
I would do it all over again Loved my Mother Soooo Very Much going to miss her never forgotten Gilda G. CHAPA RIP.
effin sucks! #tooyoungtobeacaregiver
I feel your pain!
Social security credits, extended periods of unemployment career damage, PTSD,Exhausted,Self health damaged,Credit lost,Home repairs needed.
Car is destroyed, No social life, lost family members to asset division,suicide,anger., Family wants you to take on another parent because you have no job.,….. Ugh… my father deserved better however I did my best. I feel somehow a little broken. I am so grateful for you helping me walk threw this!
I feel ya. The toll it can take is unending. Hugs
Yup
Sadly this so often happens. The government just doesn’t want to recognize how valuable we caregivers are. I always hope the time will come when they have to.
Yup. Went from single dirt poor parent that put myself thru school and started a career to unemployed with no insurance or savings or pension caregiver of my dad currently and my mom not far behind.
Check into the VA help if it applies to a parent. We didn’t get a lot but it does help
Me too
Caregivers need a stable support network. Get legal counsel and read the Social Security Act. Get help with the SSA because they don’t tell the truth frequently. In my case I am glad I have been reading about federal laws that protect women like me since SSA says one thing but the laws other.
Taking care of two sons, at home, both with Huntington’s was my choice . Yet , it left me physically, emotionally, and financially drained. Would do it again, but sometimes I see the freebies handed out to people are able to work and I find myself resentful. Social Security penalized me for not working the years that I was caregiver. Taking care of them at home saved Medicaid and the VA.. So sad for many people trying to do the right thing.
I just had Cancer Surgery. I KNEW beforehand to save up some $$$! I have been a Caregiver (agency’s) for 35 years. Now, It’ time for me to take care of me! Thank God they got it all! I don’t have to worry about Medical Bills due to being covered by the Veteran’s. I’m one of the lucky ones. Many of my Brothers and Sisters aren’t. As for my Mom? Big sis has to step up to the plate now to take care of her! I’m outta commission for the next 3 months!
I’m in the same boat with my husband if 22yrs. He was diagnosed with ALS almost 5 yrs. ago and I stopped working in April 2014. He doesn’t want me to work, but I do have concerns about my financial stability after he passes. But God has been SO good to us throughout all of this…including a 1700 mile move with 3 kids!
Me, too…
This is totally me, us, and believe me, I’m frightened
My savings are gone too. It hurts.
God Bless all caregivers .. I hear you
My heart goes out to all of the folks here. No one should be punished for giving of themselves.
I love my mother and I’m just trying to be faithful in doing what I know God wants me to do. My future is in His hands. He’s kept me this long. I don’t believe He’ll stop.
I’m in the same boat with my husband if 22yrs. He was diagnosed with ALS almost 5 yrs. ago and I stopped working in April 2014. He doesn’t want me to work, but I do have concerns about my financial stability after he passes. But God has been SO good to us throughout all of this…including a 1700 mile move with 3 kids!
I feel as you do. I have only been caring full time for my mom for two years and it’s hard. Between her income and my husband the bills have piled up, I feel insignificant because I don’t bring any money into this but I know she is being cared for the best way.
Ditto
I have been caring for my disabled spouse for about 10 years now. I work only part time as a psw. I worry about the future, after he passes. No one except other caregivers and perhaps, tne
Recipients realize what a toll it takes on you physically, emotionally and financially. You lose
Connections to friends and your own family.
So true.
Yes , not many even think about what it costs
Been caring for my mom since 2005. She has dementia and Parkinson’s. I work full time and see most of my paycheck go to bills and the paid caregiver that I need in order for me to work. We don’t have enough for me to stop working. If I survive this, I will have to leave the US. I won’t be able to make it here when I get old.
Important info!
Some do not care to hear this!
This happened to me after only one year and a half.
If our government would at least give us credit towards social security it would be a big help! I quit working for 6 1/2 years because I promised my parents I would never put them in a home! I also saved the Medicaid system a ton because of my care my dad did not need it!
I am a caregiver who also has a disability. When I went before a social security judge I was told that my caretaking responsibilities and the fact that due to a vision issue I could not drive and had no public transportation access could not be taken into consideration when looking at whether I could work or not.
Our government wont look after disabilities or carers but come on down refugees and reap us for free
And your family doesn’t care. Why? Because they say “it’s YOUR responsibility..”
I’ve heard that too.. with my uncle ,my dad’s brother.. I’m his favorite niece.. we have are good days and challenging days.. Gotta be strong..
OMG this is sooooo true!!!!
Fearful of this
So true 22 years of caregiving. He is gone now. And i am funding it almost impossible to get a job
Yep, too true.
I’m lucky I still have some savings but my career goal is over.
But if I had to make the choice over again of picking to care for my parents or follow my hopes and dreams I would have picked caring for my parents again.
Leaves you broken. There is no real financial help.
Despite the katie Beckett law , Washington state is above the law & forces free labor, poverty , no supports or services. This is knowingly causing undo hardships for profit .
Agree with everyone who says – yes , would totally do it 1000% again – but also glad my husband isn’t here to see my life the way it is now either – wow – what a change. And I miss him every single second of every single day
Yes I Dont get payed for caring for my Dad,I do have a roof over my head and a car to drive,And FOOD!!!! I go through the State for my Heath Insurence.No life I love my Dad!!!!!
So true!
Universal Healthcare. Cradle to grave. It’s time.
I also took care of different family members, my parents and husband, they are now resting in peace , I miss them, but I now have MS thank GOD my girls are grown and my husband and parents aren’t here to see me.❤
Preach!
So true!As a doctor on chronic pain management and palliative care i feel the same kind of feeling.I am anesthesiologist too.So each time that I spend taking care of this kind of patients(which i think importante)Less Money i have for my futur.Just because Everybody think I do a Great job (for free most of the time)and don’t care about If that take me so much time and energy and lesser Money.This is Portugal.!!
Thank you for being a true compassionate doctor.
Thank you!I won’t give up on doing the Best I can.
I know all about that one. But I’m still glad I did it.
I took care of my mom and then my dad, together for 10 years. They both passed away and I was diagnosed with MS. I went to sign up for disability and was told I didn’t work enough to qualify. I can no longer work. I’m glad I took care of them when I did and would do it again. I’m also glad they’re not here to see my life now.
It’s not fair!You are just another unknown great person.
Aww, thank you. Same back to you.
I am so sorry. You’re a hero in my book
No hero, just loved my parents! Thank you! ❣
Similar experience. Took care of my parents…no regrets and now I am having health issues…not sure if I can go back to work.
Prayers for reconsideration because you deserve it
I’ve heard so many stories where the caregiver got sick after the person they were caring for died. We need to spread the word to take better care of yourself. I didn’t listen.
Thank you Rodericka M Hairston!
You lose social security credits after being out of the work force for a while. I have lost many of mine and will have to rely on my husband’s social security. Chris Murphy has a bill that is designed to help caregivers. I hope they can find a way to help people such as yourself. You’ve made a contribution to society and should not be punished for doing the right thing.
Vicki Lou, thank you. I, too, will rely on the hubbys ss and half of his pension if he dies first but hopefully someday we won’t have to rely on others.
I have Rheumatoid arthritis and take care of my 9 year old son who does less than an infant. I was recently denied SSD for the same reason. My son gets no financial aid. My husband works but we are sinking fast with out my income. I need to say that I am scared and feel abandoned by God. But I can’t say that to anyone I know, so thanks for reading this.
Julie, you’re not alone in feeling that way and I’m so sorry for what you’re going through. I have friends but none that I feel like burdening them with my problems. My nephew got help from the state for his Down Syndrome daughter. Your son sounds worse off, so, so sorry for that, but I mean you should be able to get some kind of state aid. Our government is so screwed up right now and they don’t realize what each individual family goes through. Please don’t give up on God. I’ve been through some very rough times and asked Him for help. It didn’t come right away but it gets better. I hope the same for you. Please talk with me if you need to. Rest when you can for your RA I’m a good one finger texter! Lol!
So incredibly true! 12 yrs…and now I have to start all over
I UNDERSTAND.
No regrets, I love my mom and my son, and have a wonderful supportive family. Hope I can see mom through the end. I trust God will take care of me too.
I’m so in debt I can’t sleep at night I work all day come home go to caregiver mode just continue to pray that somehow we will survive
It makes a tough situation harder by adding resent and guilt.
This really needs to be looked at more closely. We are a growing number. There should be some compensation for caring for our aging parent. I believe the government pays if you care for your disabled child, why not your parent?
Feel used by my family ( sisters) who let me work at caregiving for my parents….grandma…until the very end….my kids suffered for it…
This is so true! I am thankful my law firm is letting me work from home to help make up the two days a week that I must stay home to care for my mom. I don’t get full compensation because I obviously can’t sit in front of my computer for 8 hrs. a day. I’m also “grounded” on the evening and weekends because I have no one to help care for her. I can’t rely on my sibling to help because he’s worthless and hasn’t contacted our mother for 8 months or more, not even to call and ask how she is. SMH!
I am taking care of my husband. He has a progressive neurological condition. I am currently working part time and then come home and take care of him. Not much money other than his SS. Never imagined I would be doing this. Of course he never imagined he would have this disease. We try to make the best of every day
Fran, if you don’t mind me asking, what condition is it? My Dad is also dealing with something neurological which we feel is very progressive, and the doctors don’t have answers for us. Maybe just maybe it is the same thing? Fee free to inbox me too, if you don’t feel comfortable sharing details publicly.
No problem. It is called Progressive Supranucleur Palsy. He started stumbling about 6 or 7 yrs ago. After about 3 yrs of tests by different neurologists, they came up with this. PSP. There is a CURE PSP website with a wonderful blog. He now cannot walk, very little talking and has problems swallowing. The VA here also thinks he might have bladder cancer.
Kim, I pray your Dad does not have this. It is horrible like AL’S or Parkinson. His mind is all there but he cannot talk.
Inbox me anytime
Who is the dude in the picture though. I will take care of him.
I’ve been my 100% disabled veteran husband’s caregiver now for over 14 years. We have 3 teen boys. We get paid once a month VA and Ss disability but it never been enough. Last year my husband was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor called histiocytosis. Only 15 people in the world, no survivors. We lived 6 months in hospital and was blind. Everyday I drove 2 hours to be with him and 2 hours back to be home with our boys. It took everything from me and mentally broke me several times and only my doctor knew. This summer by a miracle the tumor disappeared! They still can’t explain it but scar tissue from his brain biopsy is still there as well as additional nerve damage caused. He is the 1st survivor and in Boston medical journal. He was given a year to live but as his life back now. He is not out of the clear as he still has traumatic brain injury from the army, 50% neuropathy, multiple other disabilities. He has had 3 surgeries in 3 months and scheduled for a jaw surgery this month. We got no compensation from anything. We are in debt over 25,000. I’m about to get a 2nd job this one pays and part time graveyard. Our oldest boys are getting jobs. I think it’s truely unfortunate how spouses are overlooked as caregivers that should be paid. I love my husband more than life and am so grateful he is still with us. Thank you for this article as I shared it too with those who will never understand until they are in our shoes.
Both parents. One brother. Rest of family has nerve to call looking for money!! Savings gone. Medical debt regardless VET. Social Security kind enough to send benefit status notifications. Wrong just wrong
I can’t imagine the people who have do it all by themselves. I feel lucky that I have family that can help. I still have to work, but it’s taxing on everyone. We have to come up with better solutions, because we have a giant wave coming of people that are going to need care. While there are good caregivers in NH, there are also some just horrible. Some/ We think we can just put our loved one in a home and everything will be ok. Not always so. There are some things families are just not always equipped to deal with, but it’s definitely a learning experience. You have to be there practically everyday just to make sure your loved on is not being neglected.
It’s so easy to say it’s not about the money, it’s worth it for our loved one. But in real life, money is needed to survive. There are no easy answers here.
this article is so true and the cost to our caregiver lives is immeasurable, most especially when people who are not caregivers have no understanding of the situation we find ourselves in because we do the right thing for the people we love. Good to read this and not feel quite so alone x
I took care of both my parents, it took all their saving and most of mine. I saw in 3 CARE FACILITIES just what type of care my Mom was getting just in rehab. One staff member told her after a stroke she would always need someone like her to take care of her and she better like it…OH NO as soon as I could I brought her home. Expensive! How we treat our older people is horrible.
I have a question, if you are taking care of a sick husband who is waiting for Social Security disability and is terminally ill…will social security pay me for being his full-time caregiver?
Nope.
Some states have programs that pay for family caregivers, but not here (Delaware). Me and my 2 kids (and my mom) are all living off my moms SSI… it’s brutal…
It’s a nightmare trying to take care of my husband and his medical care without insurance while waiting for round 3 of social security. I feel youI’am in Texas.
I’ve been taken down to the bottom of the pit for the last year without income, and living off my credit cards which have been max out now. Scary stuff!
Spouses do not get paid for taking care of the other spouse. A family member could get paid if they do not live in the same house. It is not much money either. That is why I am working part time.
That’s curious
Agree with the comparison to veterans. I am a warrior.
It takes a toll on you and changes your life forever but the hardest job you will ever love nor regret
Something needs to be done. There are more of us every year.
Thank you, Elaine Brach, for sharing this article. It is something many of us will experience in our lifetime, and should be addressed by our medical teammates. If they do not address it, I think it is important that we do!
It really is a difficult balance holding on to a full time job and being a caregiver. Some days I feel like I am holding on by a thin thread.
God bless you Pauline for giving it your all. Don’t give up. You will truly be rewarded for your compassion and love one day.
Your doing two jobs.
In California. U get Payd like 12 50 an Hour but here in Florida. No way
In California if you are middle class you are on your own until your funds and resources are gone
Benedetta Portanenko actually California now pays as of Jan 2017 for IHSS $11 an hour, but this is if the elderly in question has medical, & then has to qualify for hours! Its a long journey to get assistance if you qualify, its a lil help, we are Blessed & thankful but its far from getting our head outa the water! My wife & i take care of my 90 yr old grandma w/dementia Alzheimer’s we have for many years now
You are pretty lucky if you can still work.
Thank you.
I have been saying we are invisible for quite sometime. Glad to know I am not the only one that feels that way! You get spurts of Oh I want to help and then………gone.
That’s exactly how I feel most of the time – invisible… and as a full time caregiver, you become as housebound and isolated as they are… it truly depressing…
Im glad. There apre more people. Like ..
So very true and so sad. The invisible caregivers. ❤❤
I know how this feels take care of husband now for three years live off his very small disability checks,thank god for them but it’s hard,I can’t even get health insurance,it’s like we pay for wanting to take care of them,and I would never trust any one else to do it,ther is just no help out there we have been forgotten
Trump needs to make a stand for us!!!
Good honest article everyone should read especially my friends/family so there could be some understanding…..
No good deed goes unpunished
My health.
it is a “damned if you do and damned if you don’t” situation….
Phenomenal (Y)
Let me clarify.
The cost is amazing.
The loss of health is unprecedented.
Thank you.
The amount of lost benefits for our own future is just now beginning to sink in for some. This article was wonderful to point out the whole picture. Perhaps it will help some make better choices to help their loved one while also protecting their own future. Thank you for writing this. I will share on palcaregivers.com to reach more people.
I have 2 kids with serious mental illness. I have been under employed or unemployed for most of their lives. I am 54 and trying to get back into the work force. Ouch. I wrote a blog about it http://atwitsend.org/losing-it/
This article is a blessing. I have been caring for my sweet mother for two years. She is 88 years old and suffers from several major conditions. She gave her all as I was growing up and I feel she deserves no less than all I can provide for her. I too had to leave my career of 19 years. I lost all of my benefits and have very little left of my savings. This has been the biggest test of faith I have experienced. As challenging as it is, I know I’d no it all over again without hesitation. I don’t know what tomorrow hold for me when the time comes for me to try to reenter the workforce. I’ll deal with that when it comes. But in the meantime, I’m going to treasure each day I have with mom. Yes, there are times I feel totally isolated from the outside world. There are nights when I fall into bed after a full day of caring only to hear that little bell ringing for me in mom’s the room across the hall. Somehow, someway, I seem to always have the strength to get up and tend to my beloved’s needs.. Sometimes, I don’t feel so well myself and have to push through as I no longer have medical coverage and no money for the doctor. I wish with all my heart, that caregivers needs would be considered by our government. We are many, as our seniors are living longer and require help. Help us to help them please…… I recently found The Caregiver Space and I’m so grateful. You are so uplifting and inspiring! To all you caregivers out there….keep on keeping on. We’ve got this!
I certainly can relate and agree that people have no idea how much it costs to properly take care of an ill loved one. Very few people are financially prepared for such a situation, yet it seems many Americans would rather bury their hands in the sand when it comes to aging and illness.
I was my mother’s caregiver for 7 years. She had dementia and passed away in 2013. People do not realize the cost of being a caregiver. I lost 7 years of putting into Social Security, used up almost all of my retirement funds. I will get Social Security at the end of the year. Unless I work, I won’t have anything else. It’s very scary.
I have been a personal care giver for 35 years now. I worked through an agency for about 4 months and saw how they ripped off the patients and how they weren’t willing to work with those that couldn’t afford their rates and I quit. I have always been self employed so I can help others and work with them on what they can pay. Care Givers that really care about people know it’s not about how much money you get but that you do your best for the patient. I love my job. Granted I’m never gonna be able to retire but I can sure help a lot of people who need me.
Yes, lucky me I became disabled nurse, so now I take care of my parents even though I’m disabled.
I’ve experienced it all, excellent article. I’ve been a full time unpaid caregiver for 21yrs taking care of both my parents. I’m so scared of the future when both my parents are gone.