One of the biggest obstacles in caregiving is recognizing that you ARE caregiving! Many times family members feel that what they're doing for their parent, grandchildren or other relative is nothing more than what family does for each other when there's a need. And that's true.

Running errands… picking up medications… paying bills… driving to the doctor… arranging home care… helping to dress… regardless of the task, it's all caregiving.

Often the assistance that's required gradually becomes more and more until you find yourself overwhelmed with the pressing demands from all the areas of your life – job, family, children, after-school activities, and now, the family member you're helping.

The benefit of knowing that you are a caregiver is that you become aware that you're not alone in the challenge of keeping your life in balance, and that there are services available that can help lighten the load.