 | Kevin Knaup received his Kansas Adult Care Home Administrator's license in 1983 and is the Administrator and part owner of Sunset Manor, Inc. in Frontenac, KS. He has been employed at Sunset Manor for 31 years. He is a member of Kansas Health Care Association and Kansas Adult Care Executives. He has served on various local and state committees for education and training in the Adult Care home field. |
Senior Living
2011-07-01 10:51:00
What is an informal caregiver?
Answer: Simply put, an informal caregiver is a caregiver without formal medical training who is participating in the care of that person. Most often, this is referring to family members of sick or incapacitated who are providing help in bathing, medicines and meals.
Informal caregivers are really the unsung heroes of our society. It is estimated that over 50 million people are providing care to someone who is chronically sick or disabled. With an aging population and better healthcare, that number is on the rise.
It sounds as if you want to be a help and support to your mother and no doubt, the doctor realized this. Since your mom is independent, the physician may be easing her in to the idea that she needs to allow her family to help in her daily life and figure more prominently as informal caregivers. For many people, receiving care is very difficult and may only feel ready for care provided by ones that they love.
