![The Pattern of Caregiver Development](https://meaningandhope.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/caregiver-development-cycle.png)
Based on the work of Dr. Aaron Blight and used with permission.
Navigating the role of a caregiver is akin to embarking on an intricate journey through uncharted terrain. Caregivers aren’t born with an innate knack for caregiving; instead, they grow into their roles, often in response to the evolving health conditions of their loved ones. This process of adaptation, though often unconscious, equips caregivers with an ever-improving ability to provide care.
This journey of caregiver development follows a distinctive pattern, characterized by five key states:
- Being
- Connecting
- Trying
- Adjusting
- Committing
These states form a continuous cycle that caregivers undergo in their caregiving journey. Each state is marked by a distinct set of values, such as presence, trust, action, learning, and love, which guide caregivers in their actions and decisions.
![](https://meaningandhope.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/caregiver-development-cycle-1024x986.png)
We invite you to read the full article by Dr. Blight on the Caregiving Kinetics website for a deeper understanding of how caregiving transforms not only the caregiver’s role but their life more broadly.
Download the one-sheet resource guide: The Pattern of Caregiver Development