Caregivers in Missouri

According to the AARP and the National Alliance for Family Caregiving, families are often the primary source of support for older adults and people with disabilities. In fact, today in America, more than 53 million family caregivers provide unpaid care. That's an economic value totaling more than $600 billion. Caregivers, especially those providing informal (unpaid) care to family and loved ones, are vitally important yet they are often not recognized or celebrated nearly enough.

Caregivers give many kinds of support including:

  • Personal: Bathing, personal hygiene, dressing and toileting, getting in and out of bed or a chair, and meal preparation and feeding
  • Medical: organization and giving medications, managing and attending appointments, maintaining medical records and information, managing therapies and treatments, arranging nursing and other medical supports, and performing basic medical needs
  • Other life management tasks: shopping for food, clothing and other essentials, providing transportation or organizing transportation, managing families and paying bills, and housekeeping and home maintenance

Recognizing Missouri’s Unpaid Caregivers

two women

Do you know someone who puts their life on hold to care for an ill family member or friend? If so, the Department of Health and Senior Services invites you to nominate these unsung heroes to be recognized. Throughout the year the Department will post inspirational stories of these selfless caregivers.

If you would like to nominate someone, please contact us at DSDSOfficeOfConstituentServices@health.mo.gov.

Missouri Outstanding Caregiver Recognition Spotlight

Cynthia and Tobias Edwards

Photo of Cynthia and Tobias Edwards

Cindi and Tobias-A mother's love story

Ten years ago, Cindi and Joshua Edwards were blessed with the birth of their son, Tobias.  Tobias was born nine weeks early and weighed only 2.5 pounds at birth.  Complications arose and Tobias spent three months in the NICU.  Cindi was with him day and night.  They soon found out that Tobias had a rare genetic disorder called Alpha-Thalassemia X-linked intellectual disability syndrome or ATRX.  The ATRX gene provides instructions for making a protein that plays an essential role in normal development.  Males with ATRX have intellectual disabilities and delayed development.  Most affected children have weak muscle tone, which can delay motor skills such as sitting, standing and walking.  Cindi stated that only 250 people around the world have ATRX. 

After Tobias was released from the hospital, Cindi, who was a teacher, quit her job to become his full-time caregiver.  "Cindi dedicates all her time, energy and love to taking care of Tobias.  She is the rock that holds our family together!" says Joshua. 

Although Cindi is the main caregiver, she does have some help.  Joshua helps with Tobias when he is not working, and Cindi's mother helps as well as two nurses.  They all assist in taking care of Tobias' day-to-day needs, doctor's appointments and therapy sessions.  Cindi states, "It takes a village to help, and that help does not always have to be family." 

Tobias is a happy young man who loves to laugh.  He uses a communication device and Cindi states that he can be sassy at times!  Tobias participates in vision, occupational, physical and speech therapies.  One of his favorite things to do is hippo therapy (riding horses) which helps to build his core muscles so he can sit more upright. 

In Cindi's spare time, she likes to spend time with her friends, go shopping, reads and bakes her favorite thing from scratch, iced sugar cookies! 

She also states that it is sometimes hard to draw the line between being a caregiver and a mother.  To find balance, she plans outings with Tobias' friends, they go swimming and to an arcade to play games.  They try to make Tobias' birthday a special event since he was born on Christmas Eve. 

Cindi states, "Being a caregiver can be stressful and emotional, but having patience, making time for yourself and someone to keep you grounded are very important."  Cindi's wish for Tobias is that one day he'll be able to walk, and for him to be happy and healthy. 

Previously Recognized Unpaid Caregivers

  • Jeff Justus
  • Connie Kempf
  • Jennifer Chappel
  • Kat White
  • Jennifer Weaver
  • Martha Smith
  • Melissa Frey and Rebecca Monroe
  • Charlessa Grime
  • Lisa Langston
  • Chris Wohlford
  • Justing Cartmell
  • Tanya Steward
  • Melissa Comstock