A new survey shows the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically increased the time that many people, particularly women, spend caring for others.
Most respondents in an ongoing Global Human Rights watch survey say the pandemic has affected how much time they spend doing unpaid housework and/or caring for others.
And for some caregivers, COVID-19 has meant caring for loved ones in different ways.
Kari Morrison's mother-in-law lives at a nursing home. They used to go out to eat twice a week, but with the pandemic came immediate changes.
"Now I am only able to drop groceries downstairs in the lobby," Morrison said. "Have them deliver it to her and then call her to wave and blow kisses through the window."
Natasa Davis was a caregiver for her mother who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in August 2016 while also taking care of her 1-year-old son.
"And while we don't do it for the pat on our backs, it's nice to be acknowledged,” Davis said.
Morrison said their care is immense.
"I think caregivers are unspoken heroes,” she said. "It's mentally taxing, physically taxing many times.” said Morrison.
Davis said her husband and the funny videos of her son helped her get through those challenging times as a caregiver.
And for those who are caregivers or might be faced with this challenge in the future, her biggest advice is to accept help from others and reach out to community resources.
"You're not alone in this,” Davis said.
For more information on resources for caregivers you can visit the American Cancer society here.
