Introduction

According to a 1997 US Census Bureau report*, about nine million individuals require personal assistance to carry out everyday activities. About half of the primary caregivers live with the patient.
      When unprepared, becoming a caregiver can be a daunting experience. However, in addition to helping a loved one, you will also learn a great deal about yourself, the healthcare system, and other people.
      Success in your endeavor is measured in different terms than what you may be used to. The bar measuring that success is raised or lowered as you go along. At various times, you will have clear choices, no choices, and gray areas, where you need to make compromises. Traveling down the caregiver road will allow you to recognize your skills, your flaws, and your limitations. Being a caregiver can be your most difficult experience, and yet your most rewarding one.
      This book was written so that the ordinary person can navigate through an extraordinary system. You will learn to learn the system.

      The book is divided into several sections:
      Section I - Early Considerations (beginning on page 1). In assuming the role, you will learn the steps to take before you assume the task of becoming a caregiver. We will discuss whether or not you should be a caregiver at all. Many of these steps should be taken before the need for a caregiver arises, whether or not you are or are going to be that caregiver. You should also consider that it is likely that your role will change as the patient progresses from requiring only out-patient services to needing the more extensive care which can only be given on an in-patient basis.