I could easily spout off statistics of family caregivers, break it down between parents, spouses and children who are the recipients of this care, depending on the life situation. Tack on some percentages of female/make ratios, which work longer, which take more of the financial loss long term. I then can move on over to the financials where I think most almost fall out from disbelief, when they discover costs involved.
Or I can simply share my favorite quote when it comes to Care, from Rosalyn Carter.
“There are four kinds of people in the world:
Those who have been caregivers, those who currently are caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.”
Those who have been caregivers.
All of us who have ever done any type of caregiving we look upon those who haven’t with a sign of “yep, we get it, it’s a boring topic that you don’t believe can happen to you” However, when we look at each other and find out we have a shared journey, there’s a silent respect with an understanding that though our story may have showed up differently. We have walked out something that truly defies and real need to dissect it much. That we made it to the other side is what’s important.
Those who are currently caregivers.
Okay, they’re in the trenches right now, too busy and too tired to even think about what you may or may not believe it can be like. Each time I meet or hear about someone actively caring for anyone, I don’t have to hear another thing, all I do is look at their eyes, I recognize the look so well.
Those who will be caregivers.
It’s the “will be” from both sides that is the wild card. You think you won’t be and your loved one wants to believe you won’t be so no one talks about it, the rest of us believe and statistics prove there’s a good chance you “will be”, I see it all the time. When it finally shows up even remotely near you everyone looks around as if the word Care has never been uttered. Maybe it hasn’t…perhaps it should have.
Those who will need caregivers.
No one wakes up one day saying to themselves “I think I’ll take the position of person in need of care” as a life goal. No one decides to be born into it either, yet they are. Aging occurs, accidents happen, life happens and it isn’t always pretty. We cannot be so naïve to think that our lives would not slow down some to the point of needing someone down the line for something.
A topic that you believe will never come your way is a recipe for disaster, we all know this. We also get to the age where we know we can’t actually plan for everything in life. What I would like you to consider is that discussing a topic, asking questions and then asking more is one thing you can do regardless where you fall in the four types above.
Trust me, at some point in your life you will care about some of those ore all of them.
—
***
What’s Next? Talk with others. Take action.
We are proud of our SOCIAL INTEREST GROUPS—WEEKLY PHONE CALLS to discuss, gain insights, build communities— and help solve some of the most difficult challenges the world has today. Calls are for Members Only (although you can join the first call for free). Not yet a member of The Good Men Project? Join below!
RSVP for Intersectionality Calls
—
Join the Conscious Intersectionality FACEBOOK GROUP here. Includes our new call series on Human Rights.
Join The Good Men Project Community
All levels get to view The Good Men Project site AD-FREE. The $50 Platinum Level is an ALL-ACCESS PASS—join as many groups and classes as you want for the entire year. The $25 Gold Level gives you access to any ONE Social Interest Group and ONE Class–and other benefits listed below the form. Or…for $12, join as a Bronze Member and support our mission, and have a great ad-free viewing experience.
Register New Account
Please note: If you are already a writer/contributor at The Good Men Project, log in here before registering. (Request new password if needed).
◊♦◊
ANNUAL PLATINUM membership ($50 per year) includes:
1. AN ALL ACCESS PASS — Join ANY and ALL of our weekly calls, Social Interest Groups, classes, workshops and private Facebook groups. We have at least one group phone call or online class every day of the week.
2. See the website with no ads when logged in!
3. MEMBER commenting badge.
***
ANNUAL GOLD membership ($25 per year) includes all the benefits above — but only ONE Weekly Social Interest Group and ONE class.
***
ANNUAL BRONZE membership ($12 per year) is great if you are not ready to join the full conversation but want to support our mission anyway. You’ll still get a BRONZE commenting badge, and you can pop into any of our weekly Friday Calls with the Publisher when you have time. This is for people who believe—like we do—that this conversation about men and changing roles and goodness in the 21st century is one of the most important conversations you can have today.
♦◊♦
We have pioneered the largest worldwide conversation about what it means to be a good man in the 21st century. Your support of our work is inspiring and invaluable.