What Are Some of the Risks of Caregiving?

• clinical depression
• lack of privacy
• restriction on a social life

What Are Some of the Dangers of Caregiving?

• personal illness/stress
• potential for abuse of person being cared for
• burnout
• suffering from grief/loss
• depletion of income
• feelings of isolation, lonliness
• legal/ethical issues -- power of attorney, substitute decision making

What Are Some of the Rewards and Joys of Caregiving?

• a new relationship with person being cared for
• a chance to give back
• a sense of accomplishment
• development of new skills, knowledge, i.e. advocacy abilities
• increased compassion, growth
• new relationships with others through support groups
• the building of memories

One thing I know I have to continually be aware of: to stop grieving for what used to be and find joy in the present.