A “Help Wanted” ad to find the perfect family caregiver would read something like this:

HELP WANTED

Qualifications:

Skilled negotiator
Demonstrates precise bookkeeping and financial-planning skills
Able to juggle multiple schedules and calendars
Has reliable car and valid driver’s license
Able to do heavy lifting
Offers expertise in home maintenance and repairs
Understands special diets and meal planning
Can whip up a healthy meal at a moment’s notice
Skilled at medication management
Limitless patience
Willing to change plans in mid-stream and go with the flow
Speaks legalese
Creative activity director
Offers spiritual guidance when needed
Willingness to sacrifice personal time and put career plans on hold
Able to withstand criticism from others
Can successfully manage feelings of isolation, loneliness, and guilt
Loves surprises
On call seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day
No days off
No financial compensation
Accepts that the job may last for decades

 

Who would take this job? It turns out that there are plenty of us family members who have already said “yes” to taking on the role of family caregiver. We don’t think twice about doing what it takes to care for elder loved ones. We “just do it.”

Knowing that this is the mindset for most of us family caregivers, there are three underlying purposes as why I have chosen to write this blog series (How to Get Paid for Family Caregiving):

To acknowledge the depth of how much you do in the process of caring for others.
To investigate the possibility of getting paid for family caregiving.
To help avert jeopardizing your long-term financial well-being.

In the coming months, I will be offering information about money and family caregiving; but for now, please review the list above once again – and take it all in. Have you really given yourself credit for all that you do?

Continued on How to Get Paid for Family Caregiving: Part Two