Happy Father’s Day to all fathers serving as caregivers. This recognition is long overdue. Whether caring for spouses, children, or elderly parents, many have answered the call. Fathers who take on caregiving face the same challenges as women, yet they are often overlooked. The macho exterior often masks the emotional and physical sacrifices they make. Their commitment requires prayer, patience, strength, and grace. Fathers in caregiving roles should be acknowledged out loud.
Most consider fathers the family’s patriarchs, with their only role being to provide. Guess what? Caregiving is a service that meets the needs of loved ones who are unable to care for themselves. When caring for elderly parents, for example, the role reversal can be challenging and deeply emotional, with many emotions expressed. What is vital to know is that fathers are equally capable.
Fathers in Caregiving Spaces
Can fathers be caregivers? Yes, absolutely! We must break the stereotype that care is provided only by women. We must recognize that care is not exclusively a maternal or female role. Fathers have come to the forefront of caregiving, and we should acknowledge that their contributions matter. There is no right or wrong way to care for someone. What matters is the love and care given during a loved one’s time of need. Fathers no longer have to feel isolated. Investing in their family is both normal and expected. Our role as a society is to provide a safe space where they can come when they are unsure or have questions. They have the same questions we do as women. Every caregiving experience is different, and one thing we have all learned on the caregiving journey is that we don’t and can’t know it all.
Support and Honor Caregiving Fathers
How do we support and honor Fathers on their special day? We provide an open-door space that encourages fathers to ask questions, cry, scream, and throw things, like we all have, without judgment. We also need to provide time for respite. Respite can mean many things. Encourage a day spa experience(remember self-care matters). Help out with household chores. Something we take for granted…ask “how are you really doing,” it’s not prying, it’s concerned for their mental health and well-being.
Resources for Fathers
Resources are similar for all caregivers, but there are also unique resources that may benefit fathers. One such resource is fathers sharing with fathers. That can happen in community support groups, online support groups, and by taking caregiving webinars tailored for male caregivers. AARP and the Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) offer a wealth of resources and tools to support fatherhood.
As Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate, let’s celebrate fathers who are standing on business to care for loved ones. This recognition is long overdue. They care in silence. Let’s change that narrative. They keep their feelings to themselves. And they should not have to. We have an opportunity to salute them out loud on Father’s Day. Give them a break. Sit with their loved one so they can enjoy their special day. Be Safe! Be Well!
Dr. Cynthia J. Hickman is a retired registered nurse and case manager who serves as the CEO of Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate. She is excited to share her latest book, The Essential Caregiver Training Course for Corporations and Community. Her previous work, From the Lens of a Daughter, Nurse, and Caregiver: A Journey of Duty and Honor, and The Black Book of Important Information for Caregivers, reflects her experiences and insights from her heartfelt caregiving journey.