| Abstract: Many people have strong feelings of love, dedication, gratitude, obligation and want to help, to improve the life of an older relative or family friend, a grandparent, family, friend, neighbor, or godparent, but the responsibilities in their daily lives serve as a barrier to beginning to do so. The complexities of this situation are exacerbated by the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Roles vary from significant day to day daily living assistance to a phone call or card. As one integrates with the current system of care, roles are defined, and change. We discuss support networks, relationships, and resources.The restrictions of the pandemic can be developed into ongoing patterns of more robust future habits of caring. The presentation highlights behaviors facilitate taking the warm desire to do something nice, to the stage of commitment and implementation. We detail approaches to maintaining contentedness, allowing for sense of purpose, being mindful of and respecting preferences and concerns for both care sharer and receiver, developing the system of care sharing adapted to the level of interactions and responsibilities. It can start with a commitment to call or drive once a week, and lead to greater quality of life and sense of purpose for care giver and care receiver alike. |