Being The Reliable Caregiver Helped Me Understand My Body Required Rest And Healing

Michele Levert has devoted a significant portion of her life to both full-time retail work and caregiving for her aging parents. However, severe knee pain began to hinder her everyday activities, reflecting a widespread caregiving crisis, as over 10 million relatives report being in poor health, with many delaying their medical needs to support others. Black American caregivers, in particular, face more considerable challenges, often living with their charge and dedicating an average of 20.6 hours weekly to caregiving.Levert’s condition deteriorated from mild discomfort to severe pain, requiring a double knee replacement. Struggling to balance her job and care for her elderly parents, she faced an emotional turning point. Deciding to undergo surgery, she focused on losing weight to facilitate recovery and found support through Zimmer Biomet’s mymobility app. This comprehensive approach assisted her in managing both the physical and emotional strains of recovery. Through resilience and newfound self-awareness, Levert emphasizes the importance of seeking help, setting boundaries, and maintaining a positive outlook as vital components of effective self-care for caregivers.