November 29, 2018
Celebrating & Supporting Family Caregivers
Honoring family caregivers is a tradition that began in the mid-1990s. In his 2012 presidential proclamation of November as National Family Caregivers Month, President Barack Obama stated:
“Across America, daughters and sons balance the work of caring for aging parents with the demands of their careers and raising their own children. Spouses and partners become caregivers to the ones they love even as they navigate their own health challenges…All of them give selflessly to bring comfort, social engagement, and stability to those they love. National Family Caregivers Month is a time to reflect on the compassion and dedication that family caregivers embody every day.”
To celebrate and honor family caregivers, consider these important caregiving facts:
1. You are America’s #1 long-term care provider. The National Academy of Medicine states that family caregivers provide a staggering 90% of long-term care in America.
2. You are not alone. More than 65 million Americans care for their aging or disabled loved ones on a yearly basis. (National Alliance for Caregiving)
3. You have to care for yourself first. Keeping yourself happy and healthy is critical to be able to do your best for your parent or senior loved one. Just like the airline safety announcements state – put your own oxygen mask on first before helping your child or dependent loved one.
4. Help is available. If your loved one needs more than you alone can provide, EveryStep can help. Our experienced hospice and home care staff work with families to help them find the most appropriate care for their parent or loved one.
5. Caregiving is costly. Nearly half of working caregivers report that caregiving expenses have depleted most — or even all — of their savings. (National Alliance for Caregiving)
6. Knowledge can make your job easier. In a National Alliance for Caregiving survey, 44% of respondents said that reading books about caregiving and visiting supportive websites like www.everystep.org helps them not only to manage their daily frustration but also gives them a sense of community.
7. You can take a break. Respite care is short-term care, lasting anywhere from a few hours to a few days, that can be provided at home or in a care facility. Adult daycare is another option. These services allow family caregivers to “recharge” with the knowledge that their loved one is safe and sound.
8. You have limits. Despite the demonstrated perseverance and strength of family caregivers, we all have limits. It’s important to recognize when our loved one has declined to a point that professional care is the best option.
9. You have someone to talk to. Caregiver support groups meet throughout the U.S. For those caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, the Alzheimer’s Association maintains a database of support groups. General caregiving support groups that aren’t specifically focused on memory loss can be found by contacting EveryStep for local community opportunities. There are many online support groups for caregivers.
10. Your work is valuable. The value of the unpaid care these 65 million caregivers provide is estimated to be worth $375 billion. (National Alliance for Caregiving)
Need help for yourself or someone in your care? For more information, call us at (855) 867-4692 or click here for more about hospice EveryStep Hospice or home care options EveryStep Home Care.
EveryStep Hospice and Home Care provide care and support to patients, family members and their caregivers through chronic or serious illness, recovery or rehabilitation. Our experienced and compassionate staff can assist family caregivers in understanding the importance of nutrition, exercise, social ties, mental and spiritual health, and how all these things can contribute to wellbeing for individuals of all ages