CHAPTER 11 - MALE CAREGIVERS
“I don’t know if I can do this,” Stephen told his wife, Kristin, when his mother, Patricia, was hospitalized because of a back injury. After her surgery, she went to a subacute rehabilitation facility for eight weeks then came to their home for several months during the rest of her recuperation. Since Stephen was retired and his wife worked, he became the ‘significant, hands-on caregiver’, a role that has been predominately held by women until recent years. Stephen explained to Kristin, he was uncomfortable about making sure his mother’s personal needs were met. He told her the ‘medical treatment and insurance forms’ were the easy part but the delicate issues made him feel uncomfortable.
“I don’t know if I can do this,” Stephen told his wife, Kristin, when his mother, Patricia, was hospitalized because of a back injury. After her surgery, she went to a subacute rehabilitation facility for eight weeks then came to their home for several months during the rest of her recuperation. Since Stephen was retired and his wife worked, he became the ‘significant, hands-on caregiver’, a role that has been predominately held by women until recent years. Stephen explained to Kristin, he was uncomfortable about making sure his mother’s personal needs were met. He told her the ‘medical treatment and insurance forms’ were the easy part but the delicate issues made him feel uncomfortable.