The Invisible Patient

Fulfilling the role of family caregiver is difficult, even if chosen willingly as an act of love to another. While the emotional, financial, and physical toll of caregiving is well documented, the high level of self-love and self-care within the caregiver to successfully put the needs of others first without self-destructing is not.

Caregiving can be a rewarding experience for all involved, but the stress of being a caregiver can lead to burnout, exhaustion, and in some cases, financial peril IF an Aging Plan is not in place. Consequently, the stress involved in caregiving causes caregivers to put themselves and their well-being in the background and focus on their needs last. This ongoing self-sacrifice causes a phenomenon known as compassion fatigue, leading caregivers to become the "invisible patient."

In The Invisible Patient, Annalee Kruger, Concierge of Senior Care Planning, writes how to manage aging, caregiving, understand changing family dynamics, and care options (at home and care communities). Caregiving can be a positive experience IF families better understand aging, understand the disease their loved one has, learn how to improve family communication, and have an Aging Plan. The Invisible Patient provides inspiration, encouragement, and step-by-step guidance to ease the caregiving journey.