Caring for a Sick Loved One
- Actor Steve Guttenberg took a break from acting to care for his ailing father for five years before his death on July 11, 2022.
- In one of his recent Instagram posts, he shares his advices for others going through the “tough days” of life. The advice did not specifically reference his caregiving experience, but we think it holds true for caregivers and non-caregivers alike.
- Losing his father was devastating, but Steve has found a way to channel that heartbreak into something beautiful. He’s currently working on a book called “Time to Think” that will reflect on his role as a caregiver. It’s set to be released in 2024.
- Caregiving can feel very lonely. But you should know there are many caregivers out there to connect with if you’re struggling. Whether it’s through support groups, social media or reading about others’ experiences, there are many different ways to connect.
Steve, like so many others, has previously had to take on the difficult, yet beautiful, task of caring for a sick loved one. But the iconic '80s actor has moved forward from the experience with a newfound appreciation for caregivers and an inspiring outlook on life.
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“Well, life is not gonna be easy,” he said in a video from the beach. “It’s pretty good sometimes. But sometimes it’s not so good, it’s kind of tough.
“But we’re gonna have those days, so what do we do? You just keep putting one foot in front of the other. I know it sounds simple, but that’s really it. Sometimes you have those days, so you just gotta put one foot in front of the other.”
The Art of Caregiving
Given Steve’s background, it’s likely his optimistic outlook on life stems from his role as a caregiver.
Steve Guttenberg’s Role as a Caregiver
Many people know Steve Guttenberg for his roles in “Police Academy,” “Short Circuit,” “Cocoon” and “Three Men and a Baby.” But less people are aware that the beloved actor chose to step away from Hollywood for a time to care for his ailing father.
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Over the course of five years, Steve took care of his father Stanley before he died on July 11, 2022. His health had been suffering for quite some time before his passing due to kidney failure, and the loss was nothing short of heartbreaking.
"He was an extraordinary guy," Steve said of Stanley. "And we all took it pretty hard.
"He was really the center. He really was the guy who you didn't want to disappoint."
But being the positive guy that he is, Steve has found a way to channel that heartbreak into something beautiful. He’s currently working on a book called “Time to Think” that will reflect on his role as a caregiver. It’s set to be released in 2024.
How to Be a Better Caregiver for Your Loved One
"It's all the memories of my dad when he was young and fit and what he did for me," Steve said. "My dad would pick me up when I was a little kid and hold me. And then when my dad got ill, I would pick him up and hold him.
"My dad would help me put my pajamas on when I was a kid. And when I was older, I helped my dad put the pajamas on."
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Steve hopes the book can serve as an ode to caregivers and the ever-important need they meet.
"So, I wrote this book, and it's for the caregivers," he said. "You know, in this country, there are 35 million who take care of their parents. They're an unsung group because they're never together. You're always separate. There are blogs to sort of connect, but that's it.
"So, when you're a caregiver, it's very lonely. So, I wrote a book for all the caregivers in this country. I think that's going to be powerful."
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Like Steve said, caregiving can feel very lonely. But you should know there are many caregivers out there to connect with if you’re struggling. Whether it’s through support groups, social media or reading about others’ experiences, there are many different ways to connect.
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