Welcome to our series featuring Unique Holidays: November 2022: NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVERS MONTH. I’ve been blessed and not had to be anyone’ caregiver but I would do it and I am so happy there is a Holiday to celebrate Caregivers as its such a hard job.
NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVERS MONTH
Caregiving is a tough job and in 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.”
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVERS MONTH
- Since it’s National Family Caregivers Month, do something to make an impact. Check with the National Alliance for Caregiving for the details but if you can’t get away to Washington, attend a workshop instead and they have lots of practical advice. The main thing is to know that you are not alone.
- Download the Circle of Care Mental Health Toolkit. 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.
- One of the healthiest things you can do for yourself is to fit naps into your weekly schedule. Round-the-clock caregiving is never easy. 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?
FIVE REASONS CAREGIVING IS SO TOUGH
- Over half of family caregivers are women.
- One of out of every four caregivers reports diminished family relationships because of caregiving a loved one.
- Most caregivers work outside the home either part- or full-time in addition to their caregiving responsibilities.
- Over a million American young people, aged eight to 18, care for an adult relative on a daily basis.
- Nearly 70 percent of caregivers report they don’t see their doctor regularly because of their responsibilities.
WHY NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVERS MONTH IS IMPORTANT
- Caregiving while still holding down an outside job is exhausting. Much of caregiving is unpaid. National Family Caregivers Month in November provides resources for self-care, advocacy, and de-stressing for our caregivers. November is dedicated to supporting caregivers as they care for others. This year’s theme is “Caregiving Around the Clock.”
- National Family Caregivers Month features lots of vital information to help caregivers cope with a tough, and sometimes 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 effectively with doctors, and being open to new, assistive technologies that can lighten your load. If you don’t take care of yourself, who will?
- Watching a parent age or seeing someone change drastically due to illness can be devastating. Take time to monitor your own wellbeing. If you are not sleeping well, exercising, or feel yourself becoming reclusive, speak to a professional about depression. Depression can hit anyone at any time. There’s no shame in feeling overwhelmed.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
