Unique Holidays: November, 2021

I wanted to share Unique Holidays: November, 2021 which is National Caregivers Appreciation Month. If your lucky enough to have your parents or grandparents and take care of them. Including your significant others I would like to thank you for taking care of them.

Which I am not able to do because both my parents and grandparents have passed away. Which with us dealing with Covid I’m glad they aren’t here but that doesn’t keep me from missing them. But we do have David’s parents and at times Charlie and I do help them with things they can’t do on there own.

Caregiving is a tough job. This November, we remember the people who lovingly give baths, clean houses, shop for, and comfort the millions of elderly and ill people who are friends and loved ones. November is National Family Caregivers Month and this year’s theme is “Caregiving Around the Clock.” Check out the latest helpful hints and community resources because if you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care of anyone else.

1. It’s National Family Caregivers Month, do something to make an impact. Check with the National Alliance for Caregiving for details but if you can’t get away to Washington, attend a local workshop instead. They have lots of practical advice and the main thing is to know that you are not alone.
2. Download the Circle of Care Mental Health Toolkit which is sponsored by the National Alliance for Caregiving, the toolkit covers topics including taking care of yourself, getting an accurate diagnosis, communicating with health professionals, finding community services, finding providers and more. This month, the resources you need are just a click away.
3. One of the healthiest things you can do for yourself is to fit naps into your schedule. Round-the- clock caregiving is never easy but when your loved one takes a break, don’t do another task , take a break too. It’s important not to wear yourself down. Or who will take care of you and your patient?

FIVE REASONS CAREGIVING IS TOUGH

1. ​Over half of family caregivers are women can you tell me why there isn’t more men?
2. One of out of every four caregivers reports diminished family relationships because of caregiving a loved one.
3. Most caregivers work outside the home either part- or full-time in addition to caregiving responsibilities.
4. ​Over a million American young people, aged eight to 18, care for an adult relative on a daily basis.
5. Nearly 70 percent of caregivers report they don’t see their doctor regularly because of responsibilities taking care of others.

WHY NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVERS MONTH IS IMPORTANT

1. Caregiving while still holding down an outside job is exhausting and much of caregiving is unpaid. National Family Caregivers Month in November provides resources for self-care, advocacy, and de-stressing. The month is dedicated to supporting caregivers as they care for others and this year’s theme is “Caregiving Around the Clock.”
2. National Family Caregivers Month features lots of vital information to help caregivers cope with a thankless job. There are tips for caregivers such as taking care of your own health, accepting offers of help from others, learning the skills to speak with doctors, and being open to new, technologies that can lighten your load. If you don’t take care of yourself, who will?
3. Watching a parent age or seeing someone change drastically due to illness can be devastating. Take time to monitor your own wellbeing and if you are not sleeping well, exercising, or feel yourself becoming reclusive, speak to a professional about depression. Because depression can hit anyone at any time and there’s no shame in feeling overwhelmed.

Thank you,

Glenda, Charlie and David Cates