How to determine if you’re a caregiver

The care of the sick, the elderly, and the disabled is a responsibility that falls on more than 42,000,000 Americans. However, most Americans don’t view themselves as caregivers.

Even though it may seem like a simple act of love, it can quickly turn into a lot of stress and exhaustion when the caretaker takes on more of the infirm’s needs. The caregiver may feel guilt or depression but it can also be very rewarding.

You can take this simple quiz to determine if you are a caregiver.

* Do you currently help a loved one with tasks such as cleaning, or keeping up with the yard or laundry?

* Do you help pick up medication or remind a friend or family member to take their medication?

* Do you regularly cook or provide food for a loved one?

* Do you drive a friend or family member to doctor’s appointments, shopping trips or on other errands?

* Do you provide personal care to a loved one, such as bathing, dressing or helping them to the bathroom?

* Do you help take care of their finances or pay their bills?

* Are you stressed by the additional responsibilities you’ve had to take on to help a loved one?

* Do you spend so much time and energy taking care of your loved one that you sometimes neglect yourself or your immediate family?

Answering yes to any of these questions means you are a caregiver. You could be juggling multiple roles, such as housekeeper, accountant or driver, or even chef. AARP (American Association for Retired Persons) is available to help you feel less overwhelmed and isolated.www.aarp.org/caregivingThe ) offers resources to help you take care of all your caregiving responsibilities.

If the answer is no, you may not be a caregiver yet. However, you might know someone who is or will one day become a caregiver. It can be difficult, stressful, and isolating to add additional responsibilities to a full life. AARPThe Thanks Project was founded. ThanksProject.org allows you to take a moment and honor the people who have given their time to comfort and care for friends and loved ones.

First, identify yourself as a caregiver. This will help you find balance between caring for your loved one and all the responsibilities of daily life.