Caregiving can test you, body and soul. It can also unlock a new sense of self

Caregiving can test you, body and soul. It can also unlock a new sense of self
NPR; by Kat McGowan; 4/1/25
Amanda Cruz took care of her mother, who died of cancer late last year. The experience changed her sense of identity. She is still sorting through what that means. When it was all over, Amanda Cruz felt like a phoenix, a new person rising from what had been. First, though, she had to go through the fire... In 2009, two researchers proposed an explanation for why caregiving for an adult who is ill or disabled can be so profound. Their argument, simply called "caregiver identity theory," is now widely accepted among psychologists and social workers who study and help caregivers.