Giving and Receiving Care: An Evolving and Enduring Relation

Abstract

Much has been written about the practice of caregiving and care for the elderly, especially in places like the traditional nursing home (e.g. Diamond 1986, Savishinsky 1991, Stafford 2003, Gass 2004). In the United States caregivers commonly refer to those professionals that constitute a cadre of nurses, nursing assistants (both certified and uncertified), therapists, palliative care/ hospice workers—and very often—family members, who help the elderly in a range of activities from ADL’s (activities of daily living) to providing companionship, and a host of other tasks. Professional caregivers working in long-term care facilities such as nursing homes (skilled nursing facilities) and assisted living homes often struggle to balance the need for personalizing care and doing everything on time, at the expense of treating residents as simply dress-up dolls. CNA’s and uncertified caregivers oftentimes look after more people than they can handle, leaving little room for striking up friendly conversation, expressing empathy, and engaging in simple human companionship. Family caregivers struggle in different ways, but are just as hard-pressed for time especially when their loved ones suffer from dementia related conditions (e.g. Alzheimer’s) that demand care and attention constantly. These family caregivers are sons, daughters-in-law, and siblings who are undoubtedly frustrated, and have little or no time to attend to their own stress and health issues. Caregiving in the presence of financial, emotional and family stress also adds pressure to the overall situation. Not only are caregivers personally affected, but the caregivers’ families and the people around them are affected by the ensuing stress. It is no surprise then that sociologists and gerontologists have focused their research in the past on such topics as communication between caregivers and the recipients of care, disputes arising between family members and caregivers, and ways to become better, more effective caregivers at home and in the community (e.g. Foner 1995, Ward 2008).