Most of us have many roles; some chosen, some not. Sometimes we take on a role, and don't realize it has a name. We understand father, mother, husband, wife. How about caregiver? Are you a caregiver?

The transformation into caregiver begins with a single act of caring. A loved one becomes ill and needs help with dressing. Their balance is unsteady, and we help them walk. Caregiving is intuitive – "My help is needed; I offer my help." When we begin, we do not see the middle or the end.

There are more than 65 million caregivers in the United States, and you may be one of them.

Since Hospice of Michigan began caring for patients more than 33 years ago, we have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with caregivers. We see their heroism. In the last 15 years alone, we cared for more than 100,000 individuals.

We know caregivers are a fundamental part of our healthcare system. Visit the Hospice of Michigan Caregiver section for information and tools you need to be effective at caring for your loved one.

At Hospice of Michigan, we are caregivers too, and we are here to support you.