Most people see caregiving as an act of love. However, what people often don’t see is the complexity of being a caregiver. The emotional weight, the competing responsibilities, and the constant sense of urgency that follow families who are caring for a loved one.

This was a constant theme I saw in homes. My time working in the home was often the only break the caregiver received, even when I needed that person there to learn and support what I was doing for their loved one.

Moments that look simple from the outside, like a quiet conversation or a shared cup of coffee, can feel impossible to organize when caregiving becomes a full-time responsibility layered on top of everything else.

Healthcare is changing fast. Staff shortages, fewer visits, and changing reimbursement models are reshaping how care is delivered, especially in the home. All of this is happening when an aging population creates a growing need.

In addition, the industry promotes patient-centered care, encouraging patients to self-manage their health. This is the most effective system for improving patient care. In reality, the burden of managing care often falls to caregivers.

As we see a shift of clinicians educating and coaching patients, caregivers will often assume responsibility for day-to-day follow-through.

Despite the daily and systemic challenges of healthcare, I have seen what supported caregiving can look like.

I worked with one family that was extremely busy, but they made it all work. The father had dementia, and the mother’s health was failing. The middle daughter lived with them while taking online classes. The oldest daughter lived in the area and took over respite care for her sister. The nurse on our team dealt directly with the youngest daughter regarding medical care. I arranged my visits when one of the granddaughters came to the house after school. They learned the exercise protocols and walking programs the grandparents were on. The oldest son came from out of town four times a year to give his sisters a week-long break.

What made the difference for this family wasn’t perfection; it was coordination, shared responsibility, and clear communication across everyone involved.

After years in the home health field, I realized that nearly every caregiving challenge traced back to one thing: communication.

In healthcare, the most reliable method of communication is documentation. It has to be thorough, concise, and relevant. The treatment plan must be clear and direct for the team to follow, and in-home caregivers are the most critical part of the team.

Today, my work focuses on helping clinicians capture clear information in ways that support the entire care team. This includes the people providing care at home every day.

Caregivers show up. Every day. Even when they don’t want to or are tired, cranky, hungry, stressed, or busy. Considering the daily grind, their persistence prevails even when they are exhausted.

On National Caregivers Day, recognition isn’t just about gratitude; it’s about acknowledging the consistency and compassion that caregivers bring to moments most people never see.