We love them, that’s why we care for them. Even if it means we are on call or on duty every hour of every day. Even if it means sacrifice beyond what we imagined when we said, “Yes, of course.” We wouldn’t have it any other way. Knowing we can be there when they need us is reward enough.
In a perfect world, that’s all true. But it’s not a perfect world, and we are only human.
The daily wear and tear of caregiving adds up. As a matter of fact, according to the National Alliance for Caregiving, 20 hours or more weekly giving care are more likely than others to report loss of sleep, loss of appetite, increased pain and worsened headaches.