"Influential Caregivers: Assisting Elderly Relatives and Sharing Experiences Online"
In San Jose, California's eastern side, resides a beloved grandmother with an extensive brood of grandchildren.
Mardonia Galeana, 89, often finds herself embraced by strangers seeking her blessings on the streets, a testament to her revered presence in the community. While her image graces artwork in the San José Museum of Art and a mural in the city's mission district, it's the digital realm where her grandson, Yosimar Reyes, has immortalized her for thousands.
Reyes, who affectionately refers to himself as Galeana's "personal stylist," doubles as her devoted caregiver, ensuring her well-being and maintaining her dignity. Chronicling their everyday life through a private Instagram account, Reyes shares snippets of their adventures, from jaunts around the San Jose Flea Market to visits to her doctor.
Francesca Falzarano, an academic at USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, coins the term "carefluencers" for individuals like Reyes who offer candid glimpses into the reality of caring for aging relatives. Through social media, they find solace, support, and a sense of community.
Raised by his grandparents after immigrating from Guerrero, Mexico, Reyes embodies the role of a caregiver since childhood. Despite pursuing a career in the arts, he shoulders the responsibility of tending to his grandmother's needs, an endeavor exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the population aging, stories like Reyes' are becoming increasingly common. Chris Punsalan from Las Vegas shares a similar narrative, documenting his caregiving journey for his grandmother across various social media platforms. For Punsalan, these platforms not only serve as a personal archive but also offer solace and guidance to others in similar situations.
Jacquelyn Revere, an aspiring TV writer in Los Angeles, found solace in sharing her caregiving experiences online. Despite the loss of her mother and grandmother, Revere's social media presence continues to provide comfort and camaraderie to fellow caregivers.
While some question the ethics of sharing vulnerable moments of elderly relatives online, Falzarano argues that the benefits of raising awareness about caregiving far outweigh the risks. By shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of caregiving, these individuals contribute to a greater understanding and appreciation of the caregiver's role in society.