Accepting Your Role as Caregiver

I liked Bob DeMarco's recent blogpost entitled "This Alzheimer's Caregiver Had A Choice."

Now, usually when I read the stories of caregivers, I learn about the actual logistics of caregiving. Like trying to combat a loved one's symptoms like memory-loss, how caregivers help their loved ones stay healthy and safe, and how very difficult it is to be privy to the internal struggle between a patients' past and future life. These stories are often intensely personal but few answer the question, "how do you feel about being a caregiver?" better than Bob's post.

In the post, Bob highlights an important aspect of caregiving that I've seldom thought about—self-acceptance and understanding of one's own role as caregiver. Being able to explain the reason why you're a caregiver to others, and maybe more important, to yourself. It seems an easy to answer the question, "Why are you a caregiver?" but there is a bit more to it.

Bob says, "Most people believe I am living some kind of horrific life and I didn't have a choice. They believe I was forced into this [caregiver] role without any alternative. Nothing could be farther from the truth... If I had to make the decision I made six years ago over tomorrow, I would make the same choice -- I chose to become an Alzheimer's caregiver. I never regret my decision -- not even for a minute."

What stories have you read about accepting your role as caregiver?
As a caregiver, how do you find the support you need?
Do you connect with other caregivers? Where do you go to do this?
In your other online communities, how would you describe the relationships between caregivers?
Have you had a difficult time telling others that you're a caregiver? Have you had a hard time accepting the role? If so - what would've helped you?
What can we, as Health Activists, do to help caregivers?

Check out Bob's blog - The Alzheimer's Reading Room or his twitter @ALZHEIMERSread