When you embark on the journey to be a caregiver of a loved one, there are many obstacles and challenges to face and overcome along the way.
Role Shift
Before becoming a family caregiver you have an established role with your loved ones. You are a parent, spouse, sibling, or child. However, when you become the caregiver you take on a new role that can shift your current role. Although this role shift is often necessary, it can be difficult.
If you are caring for your child, you are a parent as well as a caregiver and an advocate. As a spouse to your loved one you are a husband or wife but also a caregiver. Learning to balance the different roles can help you effectively provide care for your loved one while still maintaining your identity as their spouse, parent, child, sibling or even friend.
For more information about role shift, explore our ‘Caregiver Identity Discrepancy & Implications for Practice’ course.
What is one thing nobody told you about being a family caregiver?
This MFLN-Military Caregiving concentration blog post was published on January 13, 2017.
