The Value of Caregiving

Caregivers are an interesting bunch. Either we are not paid at all, are paid too little or we are just simply ignored by society in general. Whatever the outlook others may have of us, those who know us in a caregiving situation begin to understand the value that caregivers actually bring to our world.
I am not speaking of the economic value – although there is certainly that aspect. Recently the Honolulu Star Buletin estimated the un-paid value of family caregivers in Hawaii to be in excess of 1 billion dollars annually.
But the value caregivers bring to our world is so much more. I want to tell you about just 5. 5 areas that maybe you have not stopped to really think about. 5 that might pretty accurately describe you – the family caregiver.
Caregiver’s Promote Civilization
The human species is not completely unique in its dealing with the elderly and disabled in our midst. But we are totally unique in the complexity of the care that we render.
We don’t abandon our sick or injured or elderly as many species do and even some human societies have done. The result is a refinement of civilization that promotes responsible care of those less fortunate.
We value the contributions made by those who now need care. Rather than focus solely on current contributions and future possibilities, a civilized society looks to its founders and those who have contributed to its development – and it honors them. We prepare younger generations to care for older ones. As a result of placing values in context, we pass on the responsibility and obligation to ever younger generations.
Caregiver’s Promote Continuity
By providing a link between generations, Caregivers facilitate the preservation of life as we know it.
We encourage the transfer of wisdom and knowledge. Through interaction with our charges, we are able to open windows for sharing of experience and knowledge. Rather than simply feed, bathe and bed those we care for, we must take the time and effort to interact at whatever level possible and allow for the expression of life to be passed on. We create needed bridges from independence to dependence. Through our caregiving we can provide the bridge for individuals to use as they age. Instead of wanting to give up and check out as age begins transforming us, through caregiving an awareness of what is happening and a more realistic acceptance of change makes it possible to view this transformation of life – not as a desperate sentence of doom but more as a marker that tells us it’s time to pass things along. We allow for aging in place. Even though we went through a stage of institutionalizing our disabled and elderly, we are returning to the home model again and looking for ways to allow again in place. Providing a continuity in environment as well as care.  (There's a lot more to read - here)