Nearly one in four Americans now serves as a caregiver to loved ones, often balancing work and childcare while supporting older relatives or those with special needs.
While caregiving can provide a sense of fulfillment, the National Institute on Aging emphasizes that the ongoing demands can strain even the most resilient person. For many family caregivers, the role requires careful juggling of work and family life to accommodate new responsibilities.
For Sue Olceski, the journey from spouse to caregiver began with a single fall that accelerated her husband Ted’s Parkinson’s disease progression.
“It was not easy when all this started,” Sue Olceski said. After 55 years of marriage, she found herself overwhelmed by the mounting responsibilities of caring for Ted, a Vietnam veteran.
“I was losing myself, not even feeling like I existed anymore because everything I did was for his benefit because it had to be,” she said.
After making a call to the VA, a social worker informed them that Ted qualified for home health care benefits. The couple connected with caregiver Jamie Morris, whose presence has transformed their daily lives.
“It is hard to ask for help. You’ve lived your life being independent, feel yourself getting overwhelmed, too stressed out,” Morris said. She now assists Ted with his exercise routine and other daily needs, allowing Sue to reclaim time for herself, including pursuing a new hobby in diamond art crafting.
“Taking care of yourself is one of the most important things you can do as a caregiver,” according to the National Institute on Aging. “The ongoing demands of taking care of someone else can strain even the most resilient person.”
Lauren Miller, who co-owns a Griswold Home Health Care franchise with her mother, emphasizes the importance of proper vetting when selecting caregivers. Her own family’s experience drove this point home.
“My grandmother, who had a caregiver in the home, was not screened or vetted,” Miller said. “She unfortunately took my grandmother for a ride.”
For families considering caregiving help, Miller recommends thorough research and exploring all available resources. “Don’t be afraid to check every resource,” she advises.
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