A caregiver is a person who regularly looks after a loved one who requires intensive, tailored and unique physical, emotional, nutritional and social assistance. One in five full-time employees care for a family member or friend who has a serious illness, developmental disorder or disability.

A caregiver tends to spend time with their loved one, monitors their medication and physical needs, provides meals, socialization and other daily living needs. All across the world, regardless of language, culture, or nation, taking care of a loved one has become a more frequent experience. According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, there are 55 million caregivers in the United States alone, or nearly 21% of the total population.

A significant amount of research demonstrates that caregivers for a loved one experience difficulties with their own emotional, mental, and physical health. The decision to give up something in order to love and care for one’s child, spouse, or parent can create a complicated way of life that is extremely difficult. Compared to non-caregivers, caregivers experience higher levels of stress and caregivers with chronic stress may be at greater risk of cognitive decline. This occurs because there is so much to do for the person being cared for each day that self-care for the caregiver is frequently neglected, delayed, or given lower priority.

The mission of RUSH Caring for Caregivers is to support family members or friends who are caring for adults 60 and older by offering services that aim to reduce caregiver stress, prevent caregiver burnout, and assisting caregivers in finding a balance between the needs of their loved ones and their own needs.

We recognize that although caregivers are people who also have need support, they are often overlooked. People who provide care for others can, and should, request further assistance. It is important to normalize the ability to transfer care and never to see it as a sign of failure or frailty on the side of the caregiver. According to studies, caregivers must schedule vacations, days off, and weeks off from their caregiving duties. Caring for Caregivers helps Caregivers find the assistance that they require by creating a care plan based on What Matters to both the caregiver and the care recipient.