Did you know that more than 34 million unpaid caregivers provide care to someone age 18 and older who is ill or has a disability?
November is National Family Caregivers Month.
Across our country, parents and children, siblings and spouses, friends and neighbors heroically give of themselves to support those in their lives affected by illness, injury, or disability. And many of these dedicated people work full time. In America, family caregivers are providing over 80 percent of all long-term care with services valued at an estimated $375 billion annually in caregiving for their loved ones.
National Family Caregivers Month is an initiative of President Barack Obama since October 2010, and states this proclamation:
“We salute the people who play difficult and exhausting roles, and we recommit to lifting up these Americans as they care for their loved ones while protecting their dignity and individuality.”
Facts about caregiving♦:
- An estimated 21% of households in the United States are impacted by caregiving responsibilities.
- The majority (83%) are family caregivers are unpaid persons such as family members, friends, and neighbors of all ages who are providing care for a relative.
- Unpaid caregivers provide an estimated 90% of the long-term care.
- About 37% of caregivers for someone age 50 and older reduced their work hours or quit their job in 2007.
- Caregivers report having difficulty finding time for one’s self (35%), managing emotional and physical stress (29%), and balancing work and family responsibilities (29%).
- Half (53%) of caregivers who said their health had gotten worse due to caregiving also said the decline in their health has affected their ability to provide care.
- More than half (51%) said they do not have time to take care of themselves and almost half (49%) said they are too tired to do so.
Every day, courageous individuals step forward to help care for family members in need, their quiet acts of selflessness and sacrifice telling a story of love and devotion.
10 Tips for Family Caregivers
- You’re not alone. More than 34 million Americans care for their aging or disabled loved ones on a yearly basis. It helps to know you’re not alone and it’s comforting to give and receive support from others who understand what you’re going through.
- Your work is valuable. Give yourself credit for doing the best you can in one of the toughest jobs there is! The value of the unpaid care these millions of caregivers provide is estimated to be worth $375 billion.
- You are America’s #1 long-term care provider. Family caregivers provide a staggering 90% of long-term care in America. Take care of your own health so that you can be strong enough to take care of your loved one.
- Caregiving is costly. Nearly half of working caregivers report that caregiving expenses have depleted most or even all of their savings. Providing care can also have a negative impact on the jobs of caregivers.
- You have to care for yourself first. Caregiving is hard work so take respite breaks often. If you’re not keeping yourself healthy and happy, it’s doubtful that you will be able to do your best for your loved one. Review caregiver’s bill of rights♦ and remember to take care of yourself.
- Knowledge and spirituality can make your job easier. A recent survey found that 73% of caregivers said that praying helps them to cope with the stress. 44 % said that reading books about caregiving and visiting supportive websites help them manage their daily frustrations and also give them a sense of community.
- You have someone to talk to. Caregiver support groups meet throughout the United States. There are also many online support groups and forums for caregivers. As a caregiver, staying connected to others is vital.
- You can take a break. Just because you’ve committed to caring for a loved one doesn’t mean you can’t take a break. Respite care is an available option which provides short-term care, lasting anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks. These services allow family caregivers to relax and “recharge” with the knowledge that their loved one is safe and sound.
- You have limits. Despite the demonstrated strength and perseverance of family caregivers, each of us has limits. Watch out for signs of depression and don’t delay in getting professional help when you need it.
- Help is available. If you do decide that your loved one needs more than you alone can provide, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Know the resources that are available to you and if people offer to help, accept the help. A refreshed caregiver is a much better provider of care when they themselves have taken a much-needed break.”
“During National Family Caregivers Month, we honor the millions of Americans who give endlessly of themselves to provide for the health and well-being of a beloved family member. Through their countless hours of service to their families and communities, they are a shining example of our Nation’s great capacity to care for each other.” – Barack Obama
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To Your Success,
Althea
Althea A. McLeish Wilson, RN, MSN
Promoting inner health & outer beauty!
Helping you thrive, not just survive!!
PS. Inner Health & Outer Beauty Store: Health & Wellness with Althea♦
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Resource:
Caregiver’s Bill of Rights♦
