Why Caregivers Should Become Champions for Other Caregivers

As paradoxical as it may seem, these findings suggest that the more stressed and exhausted family caregivers are feeling, the more important it is for them to devote time and energy to supporting other caregivers. One might even infer that family caregivers who go to caregiver support groups, say, get more from giving compassionate advice than from receiving it during those group meetings.

Using one’s experiences and hard-won knowledge to make a positive difference creates positive meaning for us. It is empowering. How can caregivers become champions for other caregivers and help themselves at the same time? Here are some ideas:

Share your stories

It is helpful for others to hear what you have been through to learn what to expect for themselves and, oftentimes, feel validated in their own perceptions and emotional reactions. That is one of the key benefits of caregiver support groups, even more so than swapping advice.

For years, national advocates, such as the Caregiver Action Network and AARP (through its I Heart Caregivers program), have maintained online forums for caregivers to write their own and read others’ stories. Recently, the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers launched its 4Kinds Network website, where caregivers can also share their experiences.

Lean on me

Caregivers like Frank become informal sources of caregiving wisdom in their circles of friends and acquaintances. There are also more formal ways of advocating, with training and guidance from organizations.

For example, caregivers who volunteer as an AARP Friendly Voice caller may be matched with other caregivers to regularly call to check in with them. The national Community Care Corps funds local aging service agencies throughout the country to recruit volunteers to serve as peers and mentors to caregivers who could benefit from ongoing support.

Fighting the good fight

For many people, family caregiving is not just a job or personal mission. It is a social cause that needs the same things that all causes need to flourish — publicity, laws and policies, and, ultimately, money to pay for more caregiver support services.

Caregivers have many important roles to play in this public advocacy. For instance, the Caregiver Action Network’s Caregivers-in-Action Insight Panel connects volunteers with newspaper, TV and social media reporters to share their caregiver experiences and raise awareness of caregivers’ contributions and needs. AARP is always seeking volunteers to be “e-activists” who write emails to legislators advocating for bills to support older adults and their caregivers. The 4Kind Network also provides opportunities for caregivers to lobby lawmakers.

Caregivers, by definition, serve others. Whether they are advocating in their neighborhood or the nation, they can put what are sometimes trying caregiving experiences to greater purpose. In the process, they help us all.