💖 The Role of Family in Caregiving: Why You Shouldn't Do It Alone

 

💖 The Role of Family in Caregiving: Why You Shouldn't Do It Alone

Blog by Nene Sterling | EOON Care | August Edition

Caregiving is a labour of love—but no one said you had to do it all by yourself.

Whether you're a daughter caring for your mother in Ibadan or a son managing care from your flat in Birmingham, family should be part of the journey. And when families come together, caregiving becomes not just easier, but more joyful.

💬 Meet the Okechukwus: A Story of Family Resilience

Let’s begin with Amaka Okechukwu’s story, which mirrors thousands across Nigeria and the UK.

Amaka, a schoolteacher in Enugu, became the sole caregiver for her 76-year-old mother after a stroke left Mama bedridden. She was running herself ragged, balancing work, motherhood, and hospital visits with barely any sleep. Her siblings, spread across Lagos, Abuja, and London, offered verbal support but little else.

One day, during a video call, she broke down in tears. That was the turning point.

Her brother in Lagos took charge of Mama’s hospital follow-ups. Her cousin in the UK began sending monthly support to hire an EOON Care nurse. They created a WhatsApp group to update one another, pray, and schedule visits.

It changed everything. Care became a shared experience, not a burden.

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📘 Why Family Support is Essential in Caregiving

Caregiving without support often leads to burnout, resentment, and even health issues. According to NICE (UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence), collaborative caregiving leads to:

✅ Lower caregiver stress
✅ Better outcomes for the care recipient
✅ Stronger emotional ties within the family

In Nigeria, caregiving often falls on women due to cultural expectations. But caregiving should not be based on gender—it should be based on love, commitment, and teamwork.

Families are more dispersed in the UK, but digital tools and structured plans can bridge the gap.

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🛠️ 3 Practical Ways to Involve Family in Caregiving

1. Host a Family Care Meeting

Whether it’s in your living room or over Zoom, communicate clearly. Share the realities: What does caregiving look like day-to-day? Where do you need help? Then assign roles based on each person’s strength—whether it's financial support, shopping, or providing emotional check-ins.

2. Create a Caregiver Schedule

Use shared Google calendars or simple paper charts to divide tasks. A sibling can take over weekend bathing routines. A cousin can call weekly for emotional support. A nephew might be responsible for pharmacy runs. Every role counts.

3. Ask for Help—And Accept It

This one is especially hard for independent caregivers. But asking isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. Be specific: “Can you handle hospital visits this month?” or “I need two days off; can you stay with Dad?”

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🌍 Family Care Across Borders: Nigeria & the UK

In Nigeria, respect for elders and communal caregiving is deep-rooted—but as urbanisation increases, caregiving often becomes fragmented. That's where EOON Care steps in—to provide trained caregivers and backup support when families need it most.

In the UK, long-distance caregiving is common. Siblings in Manchester may coordinate care for an ageing parent in Ogun State. What helps? Technology: WhatsApp groups, care portals, online banking, and remote monitoring tools.

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❤️ A Stronger Family, A Better Care Journey

The truth is, caregiving is not just a duty—it’s a chance to reconnect, heal wounds, and strengthen bonds. When your family rallies around a loved one, you're not just providing care—you're creating legacy.

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📣 Call to Action: Let’s Start the Conversation

How does your family handle caregiving?

📝 Share your story with us using the hashtag #FamilyCareMatters on Instagram or Facebook @EOONCare. You might inspire another caregiver to open up and ask for help.

🎁 Need help setting up family care systems? Download our FREE Caregiver Planning Resources at www.eooncare.com.

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🧾 EOON Care is Here to Help!

We specialise in elder care services tailored to the needs of Nigerian and UK families—whether you need trained nurses, companionship services, or a wellness consultation.

Let EOON Care be part of your family’s caregiving journey.

📞 Nigeria Office: +234 816 7929 521
📧 Email: info@eooncare.com
🌐 Website: www.eooncare.com

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Remember: It’s not about doing it all. It’s about doing it together. 💙