Dan Zeorlin's caregiving story is a textbook example of men who are primary caregivers. In February 2003, Zeorlin's loved one was diagnosed with breast cancer. Zeorlin transferred most of his professional structural engineering assignments to his home office so he could provide full-time care to his family member, plus full-time parenting to his two daughters.
At the time, many people considered his decision radical because they believed that family caregiving was provided by women.
Dan Zeorlin had much to learn but, at the time in the Kansas City area, he found no support groups or programs for men as caregivers. He then checked nationally for information and support and discovered a similar void.
"Linda's treatment, recovery and recuperation was most intense the first year," states Zeorlin. "I had much to learn. I believed then, as I do now, that sharing with and support by other caregivers, is very important.
"Learning to give care was, for me, an epiphany. Linda asked me to accompany her on the fight of her life, so I chose to become more dependable," adds Zeorlin.
In March of 2008, Linda completed her fifth year without a return of breast cancer. The odds against it ever returning are now almost totally in her favor. Over the five-year period of caregiving, Dan Zeorlin became a serious advocate for services and programs for male caregivers to and for their elderly parents.
Over the same five-year period, new research found and reported that, in 2003, men comprised 30 percent of the caregivers of older and disabled family members; today's estimates increase their share of caregiving to almost 40 percent.
Today, some support groups for male caregivers are operating in many areas of the nation. Zeorlin continues his commitment to caregiving as a board member of the Community Care Coalition in Kansas City. He has also drafted a caregiver's manual for men and developed a detailed proposal and plan for In Their Names, a national organization with local support group programs for male caregivers. What he sought but did not find in services, programs and information for male caregivers five years ago, is now increasing around the United States.
Men as Caregivers Today
As the number of mature adults continues to increase, there is added need for male caregivers for their parents and other family members. To their gain, more information and support is available today than five years ago. With the new research about the large percentage of male caregivers, more programs and services are finally becoming reality.
Leonard J. Hansen is recognized at the pioneer journalist and author writing to, for and about mature adults, founding, publishing and editing Senior World newspapers. He is author of Life Begins at Fifty: A Handbook for Creative Retirement Planning.