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Language shapes our world. Different terms apply to different stages of your life – child, teenager, adult, patient, caregiver.
The words you use to describe yourself, and your situation, are meaningful.
The terms listed below are neither age nor gender specific; they are associated with the life of a caregiver.
A doctor is someone who treats patients.
To be patient means ‘to have the capability of endurance’, and a patient must be patient.
A caregiver is ‘a person who cares for someone who is sick or disabled’.
A carer is anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who, due to illness, disability, a mental health problem, or an addiction, cannot cope without the support.
A caretaker is ‘a person who is in charge of maintenance of a building, estate, etc; a superintendent.’
A client is someone who purchases professional services.
A (life) coach is a person who works with clients on solving their problems and reaching their goals in life.
A (medical) coach is a professional life coach who supports individuals to cope with a medical crisis or condition, and create or recreate mental and emotional wellbeing as a way of life.
A (sports) coach is a person who trains an athlete or team of athletes.
A coachee is a person who is coached – the “ee” suffix relates to the receiver, so the coachee receives coaching.
A consultant is an expert who gives professional advice or services.
A partner is a person who shares or is associated with another in some action or endeavor. So a care-partner is a partner who shares the endeavor of caring.
A psychologist is a professional who evaluates and studies behavior and mental processes.
A psychiatrist is a doctor who specializes in the branch of medicine devoted to the diagnosis, prevention, study, and treatment of mental disorders.
A social worker is someone whose professional activities are concerned with providing social services, especially with the investigation, treatment & material aid of the economically, physically, mentally, or socially disadvantaged.
A teacher is one whose occupation is to instruct.
A therapist is a person trained in methods of treatment and rehabilitation other than the use of drugs or surgery.
A trainer is a person who teaches skills to people or animals and prepares them for a job, activity, or sport.
Different terms apply to us at different times in our lives.
If you feel that something is missing from this list, please contact me at http://www.tamarmeisel.com/contact/