Ruth Spencer 

Caregiving for an elderly or sick loved one: people’s panel

Do you act as a caregiver for an aging or sick family member while working and raising children? We want to hear from you
  
  

Elderly patient
We're collecting stories from people who care for loved ones while also taking care of themselves. Photograph: Corbis Photograph: Corbis

Read a selection of the responses here

If you're one of the millions Americans who struggles to care for an aging or sick loved one while holding down a job and raising children, chances are you want to scream. And you're not alone.

According to a new report from the AARP, 42 million Americans perform some form of consistent care for older or impaired adult relatives or friends. These caregivers, though many don't identify as such, provide a staggering $450bn worth of unpaid care annually in the US.

Caregivers take on extra responsibilities that range from paying bills, to driving mom to doctor appointments, to more hands-on care such as bathing, and even tasks once left to nurses such as the care of open wounds. What's more is that AARP research makes clear that the stress and time involved can take a toll on the caregivers' own health and finances, as they put off their own doctor visits, dip into their savings and cut back their working hours.

As part of our people's panel series, we're collecting stories from people who care for loved ones. What's been your experience? Are you stressed? Or do you love to help? Answer the questions below and we'll feature your story on the Guardian.

Deadline for submissions: Tuesday, August 21

 

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