On September 4th of 2024, my son Zack and I attended the Duke Caregiver Community Event. It was extremely well-attended—I’d estimate 400+ people in the room. We were privileged to attend a prescreening of the award-winning movie by Dr. Jessica Zitter titled, “Caregiver: A Love Story.” At the end of the screening, after the standing ovation, a gentleman stood up and stated, “I didn’t know I was a caregiver until I saw this movie!”

Am I a Caregiver? Why It’s Hard to Identify

Therein lies the dilemma: people often misunderstand what a caregiver truly is and fail to self-identify themselves as caregivers – even when they clearly are. They fail to take advantage of all the services and support available to them. Some see the problem as a failure of the marketing efforts of companies and organizations who serve the caregiver community. Totally ridiculous if you ask me. If you don’t know or think you are a caregiver, why would you reach out for support for caregivers?

That’s why we’re writing this blog post – to help you learn what defines a caregiver, how to identify as one, and where to turn for community and support for caregivers near you. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Am I a caregiver?” this post is for you.

What Is a Caregiver? Expanding the Definition of a Caregiver

The Oxford definition of a caregiver is, “A family member or paid helper who regularly looks after a child or a sick, elderly, or disabled person.”

I don’t particularly care for this definition. The issue I take exception to is who a caregiver looks after. Many caregivers don’t recognize their role because they associate the term only with medical care or eldercare. Whether you provide emotional, financial, or logistical support, you may already be acting as a caregiver.

What is missing from this definition is that caregiving can and should be extended to providing help to those who cannot look after themselves.

• Do you still provide financing to your college-bound children?
• Are you now managing your household because your significant other is no longer able to?
• Are you providing support for someone who is in a job transition?
• Are you providing regular or intermittent support? Does that really matter?

Seeking Support as a Caregiver

Caregiving is emotionally draining, no matter what your unique situation is. Without a proper support mechanism in place, caregiving can be extremely stressful. If you are reliant on someone else to deliver caregiving services, not only can they be expensive, but you are vulnerable to their schedule and skills (or lack thereof).

Rosalyn Carter said there are only four kinds of people in the world:

1. Those who have been caregivers.
2. Those who are currently a caregiver.
3. Those who will be caregivers.
4. Those who will need caregivers.

The good news is, the caregiver community is expanding as more and more caregivers realize they need support and community themselves.

If you’ve realized that you are a caregiver, you’re not alone – and you don’t have to go at it alone either.

Become a part of the community and get the support you need by joining our LinkedIn Financial Caregivers Resource group.

Get The Support You Need As a Caregiver

Ready to get support as a caregiver? Whether you’re new to caregiving or have been caring for someone for years, our team of professionals is here to help! We work with caregivers to provide tools, resources, and financial guidance to help them make the best decisions for their loved ones and family legacy. 

Visit our contact page to book a consult with our team today!