By Sylvia Powers
Correspondent
Texas Metro News
On February 21st, the nation will honor the 53 million caregivers who selflessly support their aging or incapacitated loved ones—whether parents, spouses, friends, or neighbors—in recognition of National Caregivers Day.
This invaluable group provides essential care, from preparing meals to assisting with daily activities, embodying compassion and dedication. With one in five Americans serving as caregivers, it is crucial to acknowledge their unwavering commitment and sacrifices.
A Calling to Care
“The most important thing I can tell caregivers is that we were born to do this. You are either going to be a caregiver or you’re going to be cared for,” said Pat Bailey, affectionately known as “The Caregiver’s Coach.”
“I encourage caregivers to lean into their spiritual side and relationship with God. When I cared for my mother, I saw my spiritual gifts come to life in ways that prepared me for this calling.”
Bailey’s caregiving journey began when her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Through the challenges, she noticed significant gaps in caregiver education, particularly in underserved communities. Determined to create change, Bailey founded Finding New Tomorrows, an initiative that provides coaching, counseling, and resources for corporations, ministries, families, and individuals.
“I was born a caregiver—just like everyone else,” Bailey reflected. “But I knew as early as six years old that I would one day take care of my mother.”
She recalled a childhood memory that shaped her purpose:
“I was fully dressed and ready to go outside to play when my mother, lying on the couch, asked me, ‘Who is going to take care of me when I get old?’ The weight of her words stayed with me. I knew even then that I would be the one to care for her.”
A Journey of Love and Sacrifice
Lynnette Fletcher became a part-time caregiver in 2012 when her aunt, Thelma Carroll, lost her husband of 45 years.
“My aunt had always been a strong woman, and I was the daughter she never had. She helped raise me, teaching me etiquette, how to dress, and how to care for my hair,” Fletcher said.
Nine years later, Fletcher’s part-time caregiving became a full-time responsibility as her aunt’s health declined due to repeated falls. What started as preparing meals evolved into providing round-the-clock care.
“I still remember the day my aunt moved in with me. Before we drove away from her home in Oak Cliff, we sat in the car, prayed, cried, and held each other. We both said, ‘Thank you, God. Let’s start this new life together.’
All I could think was—she helped raise me, now it’s my turn. Our lives had come full circle.”
Fletcher built a support system that included her son, brother, and close friends to ensure her aunt received the best care possible.
The Financial and Emotional Toll of Caregiving
According to Senior Living, like Fletcher, 53% of family caregivers work full-time jobs, meaning they spend time balancing their caregiving roles and workplace responsibilities. Caregiving is not just an emotional commitment—it comes with significant financial and mental health challenges.
According to the American Psychological Association, 32.9% of unpaid caregivers report experiencing mental or behavioral health issues, including anxiety, depression, and substance use—within just 30 days of assuming their role.
Sherilyn Smith Rudolph, Gerald Albright, Gay Billops, Gaye Arbuckle,
and Charlotte Ducksworth at Concert and Awards Brunch.
Providing Resources and Support
Bailey has made it her mission to equip caregivers with tools to navigate their journey. She developed the Finding New Tomorrows Generational Caregiver Guide, which addresses critical but often overlooked topics such as:
- Power of Attorney
- Wills & Trusts
- Financial Planning for Caregivers
In addition to her coaching, Bailey established the National Caregiver Day of Prayer, observed annually on the fourth Sunday of November. This day provides spiritual support to caregivers, acknowledging the emotional and physical sacrifices they make.
A Lifeline for Caregivers
According to AARP’s latest report in the Valuing the Invaluable series, care provided by 3.1 million caregivers in Texas is valued at $41 billion—a $6 billion increase in unpaid contributions since the last report in 2019.
As an ordained pastor, certified belief therapist, dementia practitioner, and marketing executive; Bailey shares invaluable lessons learned from caring for her mother. Through her virtual Caregivers Circle at FindingNewTomorrows.com, she offers families guidance on financial, mental, emotional, and legal challenges affecting caregivers.
After serving as a caregiver for more than four years, Fletcher said caregiving is no joke and she offers this advice: “You have to be prepared to give up a lot. But my main advice to other caregivers is this—take care of yourself. Because if you’re not healthy, you can’t take care of them.”
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