Caregiving is in the news today because our population is changing, more demands are made on families without evaluation of their capabilities, people are living longer with chronic illness, families are mobile and more women are working thus less available. Also, employers are impacted by the caregiver who is employed and needing to take time off from work. Support is a difficult concept because it really can't be bought. Having someone to talk to, becoming informed, seeking spiritual resources, asking for help, support groups, regular respite and becoming part of a family centered approach to care can all be of significant help. Suzanne Mintz with the National Family Caregivers Association points out that caregiving is very isolating and this sense of isolation is one of the most difficult things to deal with.
Isolation goes with depression, common to many caregivers.
We, as a society have not until recently recognized the value of family caregivers and the gifts they are truly giving. It is OK to take time away from work to care for a sick child, but not really OK to take mom to the doctor. When a person is homebound, that alone is isolating. People who have difficulty focusing on the needs of the person who is ill rather than on themselves may be more likely to face some denial issues. I'm talking about practical tips that don't cost a lot of money.