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, dedicated to family members, friends and neighbors who provide countless hours of care to their relatives and loved ones. Many of these dedicated people work full-time jobs but courageously step forward to help care for family members in need. Across the United Stares, 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. Their quiet acts of selflessness and sacrifice tell a story of love and devotion.
Caregiver Facts:
- An estimated 21% of households in the United States are impacted by caregiving responsibilities.
- The majority of caregivers are unpaid family members, friends, and neighbors of all ages who are providing care for an ill or disabled 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.
- Caregivers report having difficulty finding personal time.
- Caregivers struggle with managing emotional and physical stress, and balancing work and family responsibilities.
- Caregivers report having health issues and the decline in their health has affected their ability to provide care.
- More than half of caregivers do not have time to take care of themselves and almost half are too tired to do so.
All family caregivers should consider respite as an important addition to their to-do list. Caregivers have an increased risk for health issues due to chronic stress and respite is the key to maintaining well-being. According to research, respite protects the caregiver’s health, strengthens family relationships, prevents burn-out and allow loved ones to stay at home up to three times longer. Respite is one of the most frequently requested support services for family caregivers, allowing them some time away to recharge, the chance to take a breather and the opportunity to re-energize.
10 Tips for Family Caregivers:
- You are not alone – seek support from other caregivers.
- Take care of your own health – so that you can be strong enough to take care of your loved one.
- Help is available – accept offers of help and suggest specific things people can do to help you.
- Learn to communicate effectively with doctors – organize medical information so it is up to date and easy to find.
- You can take a break – caregiving is hard work so take respite breaks often.
- Everyone has limits – watch out for signs of depression and do not delay getting professional help when you need it.
- Caregiving is costly – be open to new technologies that can help you care for your loved one.
- Consider advanced directives – make sure legal documents are in order.
- Your work is valuable – give yourself credit for doing the best you can in one of the toughest jobs there is!
- Knowledge and spirituality help – praying, reading books and visiting supportive websites can help make your job easier.
The Obama Proclamation states, “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.”
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To Your Success,
Althea
Althea A. McLeish Wilson, RN, MSN
Educate . Empower . Encourage
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