A Heart Shaped by Care

Caregiving was never something I planned to become an expert in; it became part of my life long before I even realized it. Growing up surrounded by elders, my great-grandparents lived in an Independent Living community, and much of my childhood was spent there with them. That environment shaped my heart early, and I even completed my service learning hours there, helping residents and learning the importance of providing family caregiver support with dignity and respect.

However, caregiving shifted from something I observed to something I personally embraced the day my great-grandmother fell. I had already been taking her to doctor's appointments and helping where I could, but that moment made it clear that I was no longer just helping - I was her caregiver. Balancing my Master's degree and full-time work, life didn't slow down when caregiving entered the picture. Like many family caregivers, I had to learn how to manage school, work, and my caregiving responsibilities simultaneously, often putting my own needs aside to ensure she received the care she needed. Throughout this journey, I discovered various caregiver resources and caregiving tools that helped me navigate this challenging yet rewarding role.