While this is meant for care partners – please don’t hesitate to check out the 6 stages as a patient because much of this applies to phases of being a patient with a complex and/or chronic illness.
I can help support you through the stages and this could also include helping you find appropriate additional resources.
What Are the 6 Stages of Caregiving?
At Caring Our Way, Denise Brown has created a support community and a variety of training programs for care partners who want to create a business helping others. One of the key observations she’s made since she began working with family care partners in 1990 is that caregiving experiences have a progression and she has set out 6 stages.
“There are only four kinds of people in the world.
Those who have been caregivers.
Those who are currently caregivers.
Those who will be caregivers, and those who will need a caregiver.”
― Rosalynn Carter
- Stage 1: The Expectant Care Partner
- Stage 2: The Freshman Care Partner
- Stage 3: The Entrenched Care Partner
- Stage 4: The Pragmatic Care Partner
- Stage 5: The Transitioning Care Partner
- Stage 6: The Godspeed Care Partner
Why Are The Stages Important?
While everyone’s experiences are individual, there are similarities in the kinds of support you may find helpful in the different stages. Each stage has a different focus. For example, you may need more information and resources at the earlier stages as you head into a steep learning-curve.
How Can You Determine Which Stage (or Stages) You Are In?
How do you know where you are? Take the assessment!
You’ll be redirected to information about the stage you are in – and you will have your results mailed to you.
You may find that the characteristics of more than one stage apply – so you can also look around at the information for all of the stages.
The Six Caregiving Stages is a concept developed by Denise M. Brown. We are using her concept and her assessment tool with her permission. The Six Caregiving Stages is (c) CaringOurWay.com.
