Mr. Perry,
AARP has reported in the US the number of unpaid caregivers have increased from 43.5 million in 2015 to 53 million in 2020. The percentage of people taking care of two people have increased from 18% in 2015 to 24% in 2020.
In 2014, I became a full time caregiver to my parents unexpectedly days apart. Caregiving changes you, it affects you emotionally, mentally and physically. I made the decision to keep my parents together because of the love story I saw my whole life. I’m thankful I did because it was the last year of my Dad’s life. I started a blog to help caregivers because there are tons of people that are lost, hurting and exhausted to say the least.
Since caring for my parents I’m a magnet for people needing resources. I randomly meet people and they start talking about their current situation not knowing what I’ve experienced. Its sad hearing families suffer when they can get relief from talking to a doctor for an official diagnosis of dementia/alzheimer’s or they aren’t aware of resources to assist with getting their loved ones what they need.
Why am I writing you? We need a documentary, a movie or a way to get caregivers information about resources. I want to make a difference and I know I can’t do it on my own. While doing one of the most unselfish acts a person can do, caregivers are feeling invisible. Please help me give caregivers a voice and help me reveal what is going on in homes around the world.