10 Ways to Know You Are a Caregiver

1. Your Phone is on 24/7–

You’re the human equivalent of a 24-hour helpline. Whether it’s late-night medication questions or early morning emergency calls, your phone is always on, just in case.

2.  You Speak Fluent Medical-ese

You’ve picked up so much medical terminology, you could probably moonlight as a nurse. From medications to medical procedures, you’ve got a knack for the lingo.

3. Your Purse or Bag Resembles a Pharmacy 

You’re always prepared with a mini pharmacy on hand. Band-aids, pain relievers, antiseptic wipes? Check, check, and check.  Let’s not even talk about how big that binder of notes from the doctor’s visits hospitalizations and medications has gotten.

4. You’ve Mastered the Art of Multitasking–

You can juggle doctor appointments, pharmacy runs, and meal prep, all while keeping your loved one entertained. Who says you can’t do it all? Well at least most of it all.

5. Your Calendar Looks Like a Tetris Game

Fitting in appointments, care schedules, and personal time is like playing Tetris with your calendar. But somehow, you manage to make all the pieces fit.

6. You’re a Professional Researcher

Whether it’s looking up symptoms, treatments, or the best care options, you’ve become a pro at diving deep into research to find the best solutions. You have also developed the finesse of sharing that research with the medical professionals in a way that they will listen.  It is shocking how effective asking questions even when you know the answers can be, isn’t it?

7. You’ve Developed a New Level of Patience

Caregiving has taught you patience on a whole new level. From waiting rooms to dealing with challenging behaviors, you’ve learned to take a deep breath and stay calm. We are always getting the chance to grow more in this area.

8. Your Definition of Self-Care Has Changed

A quick shower or a cup of coffee in silence now counts as a spa day. You’ve learned to find moments of self-care in the little things and it will look different for everyone. You have also learned how important self-care is to being the best caregiver you can be.  Finding what refreshes you and brings you joy is the key to caring another day.

9. You Understand the Value of Small Victories

You haven’t celebrated the small steps in life this often since you were a parent for the very first time.  Celebrating the small wins, like a good day at the doctor or a successful outing, has become a part of your routine. These moments of joy are priceless.  Learning to look for them and even record them in a Gratitude Journal can be very powerful in your season.

10. You’ve Discovered Strengths You Never Knew You Had

Caregiving has revealed inner strengths and abilities you never knew existed. From crisis management to compassionate care, you’ve grown in ways you never imagined. Your faith and trust in God has grown leaps and bounds you know that you couldn’t do what you do with out Him.

Being a caregiver is no small feat. It’s a role filled with challenges, but also immense love and fulfillment. If you found yourself nodding along to these points, then you’re undoubtedly a caregiver, and a fantastic one at that!

As I wrap up our lighthearted look at the signs you’re a caregiver, it’s essential to acknowledge the profound spiritual journey caregiving embodies. This role, filled with challenges and triumphs, is not just a list of tasks but a calling that shapes the soul. 

 As National Caregiver Appreciation Day arrives on the 21st, let’s remember that caregiving is a day by day living out love in action. It’s a path that can draw us closer to understanding compassion, patience, and the true strength of the human spirit. In serving others.  We can find ourselves walking a path of spiritual growth, discovering resilience and experiencing grace in moments of hardship.

 This journey is a testament to the power of faith and love to carry us through, reminding us that in the act of giving, we receive blessings beyond measure. Let’s celebrate, recognizing invaluable contributions not just to those you care for, but to the world.

“May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” – Numbers 6:24-26

Rayna Neises understands the joys and challenges that come from a season of caring. She helped care for both of her parents during their separate battles with Alzheimer’s over a thirty-year span. She is able to look back on those days now with no regrets – and she wishes the same for every woman caring for aging parents.

To help others through this challenging season of life, Rayna has written No Regrets: Hope for Your Caregiving Season, a book filled with her own heart-warming stories and practical suggestions for journeying through a caregiving season. She is an ICF Associate Certified Coach with certifications in both Life and Leadership Coaching from the Professional Christian Coaching Institute.

She is prepared to help you through your own season of caring. Learn more at ASeasonOfCaring.com and connect with Rayna on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Read other articles by Rayna