Kind of like teachers. Praised by society, people saying what a hard and important job it is, that it takes a special and caring person to do that job.
And yet teachers are underpaid, overworked, have to buy their own supplies, abused daily by kids and parents and admin, practically raising some of the kids, and expected to just smile and be grateful for what little money they’re paid.
I don't think u meant stigma, I think u meant pitfalls.
I have a feeling someone wants you to be a caregiver for family. This is a big undertaking. I personally wouldn't do it. Too many young people who post on this forum find they get stuck. That family has all kinds of excuses why they can't do it but have a lot to say about how the poster does things. Living with the person is not good. You are then stuck with caring 24/7. If someone needs 24/7 care then they need to be placed in Assisted Living or Longterm care. As a young person you are entitled to a life. Go to college, get a job, have friends and boyfriends/girl friends. If married, your DH and children are your main priority and your job. No one under retirement age should quit a job to care for someone. Options should be looked at before even thinking of caring for someone. And its not what that person wants, its what that person needs. I hate "I want Mom to age in place" "I want to remain in my home". Thats Ok if your not depending on everybody else to do your cleaning, laundry, cooking and upkeep on ur home. You need to be able to do that all yourself. If not, its time to downsize, pay for help, or go to an AL. You don't ask someone to give up their life so you can continue to live in ur home.
And...I never would care for someone without having both Financial POA and Medical POA/Advanced directive. Too many caregivers are stuck paying the person they are Caregiving bills because the POA won't fork over the money. If living in, its sometimes felt the person is getting a room for free so they can pay the bills. They are saving their inheritance while someone else is doing all the care and sacrificing their life. And usually, they don't get anything for doing that care.
There are options, don't let yourself be one of them if you are not comfortable being a caregiver. I would not move in. Hard to get out. I would have everything in writing and notarized. You work a certain number of hours and get compensated. You get time off. You can quit at anytime. Knowing what I know about Caregiving, I would not even agree to it. Oh, if u agree to be a live-in, have a backup plan to be able to get out if you need to.
There is no stigma. There are few caregivers because the pay is shitty, there are no benefits, no retirement, and you are wiping butts and changing diapers all day long. And sometimes the person you are caring for is abusive, mean, or handsy.
It's a miracle we find anybody willing to do this job.
Aside from that the pay is nothing to brag about and basically there is no future, you don't get promoted to anything, it is a stagnate field.
Me, no way would I do it, I guess others feel the same way.
And yet teachers are underpaid, overworked, have to buy their own supplies, abused daily by kids and parents and admin, practically raising some of the kids, and expected to just smile and be grateful for what little money they’re paid.
I have a feeling someone wants you to be a caregiver for family. This is a big undertaking. I personally wouldn't do it. Too many young people who post on this forum find they get stuck. That family has all kinds of excuses why they can't do it but have a lot to say about how the poster does things. Living with the person is not good. You are then stuck with caring 24/7. If someone needs 24/7 care then they need to be placed in Assisted Living or Longterm care. As a young person you are entitled to a life. Go to college, get a job, have friends and boyfriends/girl friends. If married, your DH and children are your main priority and your job. No one under retirement age should quit a job to care for someone. Options should be looked at before even thinking of caring for someone. And its not what that person wants, its what that person needs. I hate "I want Mom to age in place" "I want to remain in my home". Thats Ok if your not depending on everybody else to do your cleaning, laundry, cooking and upkeep on ur home. You need to be able to do that all yourself. If not, its time to downsize, pay for help, or go to an AL. You don't ask someone to give up their life so you can continue to live in ur home.
And...I never would care for someone without having both Financial POA and Medical POA/Advanced directive. Too many caregivers are stuck paying the person they are Caregiving bills because the POA won't fork over the money. If living in, its sometimes felt the person is getting a room for free so they can pay the bills. They are saving their inheritance while someone else is doing all the care and sacrificing their life. And usually, they don't get anything for doing that care.
There are options, don't let yourself be one of them if you are not comfortable being a caregiver. I would not move in. Hard to get out. I would have everything in writing and notarized. You work a certain number of hours and get compensated. You get time off. You can quit at anytime. Knowing what I know about Caregiving, I would not even agree to it. Oh, if u agree to be a live-in, have a backup plan to be able to get out if you need to.
Do you think there is some stigma involved in being a caregiver?
I don't see that at all.
I DO see that it is difficult and sometimes thankless work, and that it is poorly paid.
It's a miracle we find anybody willing to do this job.
This was in Mississippi In 2022.