CW: Pet Loss
Caregiving is a deeply human experience. When someone spends a lot of time with someone, they begin to know who they are and what they need. While people like Marianne Cooper, who is a sociologist at Stanford University, talk about AI being used to help caregivers, the real essence of caregiving is found in the bonds that are built between caregivers and the person in need of care.
My experiences have shown me that technology cannot replace the feeling of truly being known and cared for. My moms taught me that care is rooted in patience, love, and understanding. That was the foundation for my relationships with caregivers as I grew up.
My former paraprofessional worked with me at school for ten years and she knew me well. We spent many summer days at the library choosing books, and she introduced me to latch hook rug kits. Our bond was built through simple moments that were full of care.
She was there for the hard moments too. When my childhood dog, Lowell, passed away, she was one of the first people I called. She came over the next day, and we sat together and reminisced about Lowell. She didn’t try to fix anything. She simply shared the grief with me.
My relationships with caregivers extend into clinical spaces. I have a great relationship with my physical therapist. He has a way of making an appointment feel more relaxed. We talk about sports, our favorite TV shows, and he loves to give me a hard time because my favorite food is mac and cheese.
Those conversations that my physical therapist has with me don’t have to do with physical therapy exercises or my treatment plan. However, I appreciate that he treats me like I’m not a name on paper. I know that he cares.
My current PCA is a longtime friend of mine. He met me fifteen years ago. He has been my roommate for the last six years as well. No machine could ever replace the connection we have.
Technology can help with some of the administrative challenges that come with caregiving. However, there are some things that technology will never be able to replace, like the comfort that comes from years of knowing someone and being understood. Caregiving is a deeply personal experience and it requires humanity.
Source:
Cooper, Marianne. “Can AI Free Women from the Mental Load of Caregiving?” TIME, 5 Aug. 2026, time.com/article/2026/08/05/can-ai-free-women-from-the-mental-load-of-caregiving-/.