The best people to look after loved ones, are their loved ones
By Russ Maher RN BSc (Hons) Cardiac, BeingWELL.Me founder Abstract: This article celebrates the unique and irreplaceable quality of care that family members and parents provide to their loved ones. Drawing from nursing observations, it demonstrates how family parents and/or carers offer dimensions of care—emotional understanding, historical context, and unconditional commitment—that professionals cannot replicate. The piece also addresses the importance of balancing heartfelt care with necessary knowledge and professional support to optimize family caregiving effectiveness. BeingWELL.Me's philosophy recognizes that nurturing both parents/carers and loved ones equally maximizes family caregiving potential, with THRIVE programs designed to ensure care remains appropriate, supportive, and doesn't negatively impact health or existing treatments for all ages—young and old.
RESPITE & CARER SUPPORT
5/11/20253 min read


Throughout my four decade nursing career and as founder of BeingWELL.Me, I've observed a profound truth:
No professional, regardless of their training or experience, can replicate the unique quality of care that family members and parents/carers provide.
While professional caregivers bring essential skills and knowledge, there's something irreplaceable about the care that comes from genuine love and shared history. BeingWELL.Me's philosophy centers on empowering this natural caregiving bond while ensuring both the parent/carer and loved one of any age are nurtured and supported equally.
The Irreplaceable Elements of Family Care
Family parents and/or carers offer dimensions of care that professionals simply cannot:
Emotional Understanding: You know your loved one's fears, preferences, and quirks better than anyone. You understand what a particular facial expression means or what comfort they need in difficult moments.
Historical Context: Years of shared experiences create an intuitive understanding. You know their medical history, how they've responded to treatments in the past, and what has worked or hasn't worked for them.
Unconditional Commitment: While professionals work shifts and change positions, family parents/carers are present for the long haul, providing consistency and continuity that's crucial for recovery and comfort across all age groups.
Personal Motivation: The love that drives family caregiving creates a level of attention to detail and dedication that, while admirable in professionals, emerges naturally from personal bonds.
Why Family Care Matters for Recovery
Patients consistently show better outcomes when cared for by loved ones, because:
Familiar faces reduce anxiety, which is crucial for healing
Personal knowledge helps identify subtle changes in condition
Emotional security promotes better rest and cooperation with treatment
Individual preferences are understood and honored
Advocacy comes naturally from those who truly care
Balancing Heart with Knowledge
While love is the foundation, effective family caregiving also requires:
Learning necessary medical skills and procedures
Understanding medication regimens and potential side effects
Recognizing when professional intervention is needed
Communicating effectively with healthcare providers
Maintaining boundaries that protect both caregiver and care recipient
When Family Care Shines Brightest
Family parents and/or carers excel in areas that matter most:
Night-time comfort: Being there during vulnerable moments
Dietary management: Knowing food preferences and cultural considerations for all ages
Emotional support: Providing reassurance that only loved ones can offer
Life history preservation: Maintaining connection to identity and memories
Decision advocacy: Making choices aligned with the person's values and wishes, regardless of their age
Supporting Family Caregivers
While family care is often best, it shouldn't mean complete isolation. The most effective family caregiving happens when:
Professional support is available for training and backup
Community resources supplement family efforts
Healthcare providers respect and include family knowledge
Other family members share responsibilities
Respite options exist for caregiver renewal
BeingWELL.Me's THRIVE Family-Centered Approach
BeingWELL.Me THRIVE programs are specifically designed to enhance family caregiving by:
Supporting both parents/carers and loved ones of all ages simultaneously
Ensuring care methods don't interfere with medical treatments
Providing strategies that promote symptom relief for both parties
Offering guidance that complements therapy regimes for all age groups
Empowering parents/carers with confidence that their care is appropriate and beneficial
The Partnership Model
The ideal scenario combines the heart of family care with professional expertise. This might look like:
Family members handling daily care with professional consultation
Nurses or therapists providing training and periodic assessments
Doctors working with family caregivers as team members
Support services filling gaps without replacing family involvement
Honoring the Gift of Family Care
Being cared for by those who love us is one of life's greatest gifts. For the care recipient, it provides:
Dignity preservation
Emotional security
Cultural competence
Personal autonomy
Familiar comfort
For family caregivers, despite the challenges, it offers:
Opportunity to give back
Deepened relationships
Meaningful purpose
Personal growth
Lasting connection