Caregivers experience four clearly defined stages as they travel the caregiving path.
Surviving Surviving is what you do to keep going when you are feeling completely helpless. Searching This is a time of acting, of moving forward from a reactive state of surviving. Searching also involves seeking answers and interventions related to the illness or condition. Settling In This state is seeing the world for what it is and seeing yourself for who you are. It is moving beyond the intense emotions of surviving, feeling less of the sense of urgency or searching, and gaining a greater sense of control and balance in your daily life.