What I have seen in the caregiver/client relationship, is that these unlikely pairs are companions in many more ways than I imagined possible. I have seen caregivers provide a kind of physical and emotional nurturing that goes well beyond the dictates of the job. It is their livelihood, but clearly, it is much more than that. Besides very intimate physical tasks, I have seen some of the emotional complexity of true relationships – tenderness to be sure – but also measures of sadness, boredom and at times frustration on both sides. But with all that, and through the long days and nights, there are small but crucial glimpses of humour and the kind of intimacy that comes with shared joy as these caregivers work so very hard to make life manageable and essential while the world around their clients shrink.

These photographs may at times reflect an uncertainty in the faces of the “clients.” It is my hope and my intention that what ultimately radiates through is that these people that we love so deeply, feel safe, and that this time of their lives has been made better in the company of the truly exceptional people who care for them.