The terms "caretaking" and "care partner" both involve providing support and assistance, but they reflect different approaches, actions, expectations and philosophies. Here's a comparison:
Caretaking
Traditional, Hierarchical Role: The caretaker is the primary person responsible for another’s well-being, often taking on a one-directional role where they do most of the work.
Dependency-Driven: The recipient of care may become passive, relying heavily on the caretaker, potentially fostering learned helplessness.
Burden-Oriented: Caretakers often feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or even resentful, as the role can be emotionally and physically draining.
Focus on Over-standing: The caretaker takes charge, making decisions on behalf of the person they are supporting, often without much collaboration.
Common in Healthcare: This role is frequently seen in medical settings where professionals take responsibility for a patient’s well-being with little emphasis on shared decision-making.
CARE Partner
Collaborative & Empowering: The care partner works alongside the person receiving care, recognizing their strengths, autonomy, and ability to contribute.
Mutual & Reciprocal Relationship: Instead of one person doing all the caregiving, the relationship involves shared responsibility, where the person receiving support has an active role in their care.
Wellness-Oriented: The care partner approach focuses on enhancing independence rather than creating dependence, promoting dignity and self-agency.
Emotional Balance: By sharing the responsibility, care partners experience less burnout and greater emotional connection.
Person-Centered Approach: Common in progressive healthcare and mental health frameworks, this model ensures that the recipient's voice is central in decision-making.
Why the Shift from Caretaking to CARE Partnering Matters
In workforce development, particularly in mental health services, the care partner model is essential. It aligns with empowerment, systemic thinking, and sustainable caregiving, which are crucial for addressing disparities and fostering resilience. Programs like GROWURPOTENTIAL benefit from a care partner approach as it supports individuals with lived experiences in taking an active role in their development rather than reinforcing dependency.
If you feel or experience Caretaking in your mentor relationship, invite a conversation with your mentor. We are hopefully intentionally co~creating a feedback loop of trust and Earned Secure Attachment, CARE Partnership is a feedback loop, none of us is a master guru at being human so repair and constructive critich are building blocks for the connections we deserve!
If you desire support hosting a brave conversation or processing deeper repair goals email info@growURpotential.org for support. .