We humans are not capable of looking forward as we drive AND looking in the rearview mirror at the same time? As family members and caregivers, I believe we have a similar situation.

According to the World Federation for Mental Health, “Caregiving affects us all. Regardless of culture or country, all people have been – currently are – or will need a caregiver during the course of their lifetime.” What is a caregiver?

I am talking about that moment when you become your loved one – your mother, your aunt, your father, your sister, your friend – at least legally. When does that moment occur? It occurs when a Power-of-Attorney is signed and then enacted.

Why should someone execute a Medical and Durable Power-of-Attorney? Isn’t that asking for something terrible to happen?

When my mother had a stroke and developed Vascular Dementia, it was the start of a flash flood of change. Did it overcome me or did I overcome?

In my previous blog, I said “I believe there is an answer that helps many” deal with the stress, exhaustion, and health impact of caregiving. During my time as a family caregiver and now as a professional caregiver, I came to realize the role of caregiver is actually two roles: Advocate & Caregiver. From my perspective, Advocate is the primary role while Caregiver is the secondary role.