Caregiving Happens! November is National Family Caregivers Month
Our family caregivers are our “unsung heroes” in providing crucial, and absolutely necessary, help and assistance their loved ones.
Understand; a “family caregiver” is ANYONE who provides care, love, and assistance (physical, financial, social, emotional) for ANYONE( family member, friend, neighbor, etc.),usually for no pay, have to take care of their own family and household, and are working full or part-time.
Needless to say, that’s a lot for anyone to juggle, and usually can put a strain (physical, financial, social, emotional, spiritual) on the life of the caregiver.
The month of November is designated as “National Family Caregivers Month”. We honor the millions of individuals (usually GenX and Baby Boomers) who have taken on the role as a family caregiver.
They need our help, understanding, and support on so many levels!
Family caregivers need reliable resources to educate, direct, and assist them on their journey. Most caregivers don’t have a clue about preparing for the time when they’ll “step up to the plate” and informational resources that are available to them.
To help you avoid undue stress and confusion, below are but a few resources to help you (or someone you know) navigate the role of family caregiver.
Caregiver Action Network
The Caregiver Action Network “is the nation’s leading family caregiver organization working to improve the quality of life for the more than 90 million Americans who care for loved ones with chronic conditions, disabilities, disease, or the frailties of old age. CAN serves a broad spectrum of family caregivers ranging from the parents of children with significant health needs, to the families and friends of wounded soldiers; from a young couple dealing with a diagnosis of MS, to adult children caring for parents with Alzheimer’s disease.” This non-profit organization is an excellent resource that will help you with resources to assist your care recipient with the day-to-day activities of living.
They offer many tools for: first-time caregivers, long-distance caregivers, those who have been caregivers for many years, caregivers coping with loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease, and working caregivers.
The Alzheimer's Foundation of America
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America provides nationwide support, education, and services to caregivers, families and loved ones affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. On their website, there is a search option that allows you to locate local services that provide respite care and adult day services that are member agencies. They also have a 24/7 hotline (866-232-8484).
The National Family Caregiver Support Program
The National Family Caregiver Support Program provides caregiver support services to: those who are 60 and older, Alzheimer’s patients of any age, a grandparent or a caregiver who is a relative (55+) of a minor child or an older parent, or a caregiver who is a relative of an adult with disabilities. You can find out about this service through your local Area Agencies on Aging, or by phone: 800-677-1116.
Veteran's Administration (VA) Caregiver Support Program
If you or your loved one is enrolled in the VA health care system or eligible for VA health care, then respite care is a covered benefit. The Veterans Health Administration, as of 2022, covers up to thirty (30) days of respite care per year. You and/or your loved one can receive respite care in the comfort of your home, at a VA facility, or an adult care center. To find out more about this service, contact your local VA Caregiver Support Coordinator, or call: 855-260-3274.
As a former family caregiver for my dad, and as a Certified Senior Advisor, I have a passion for the needs of family caregivers and their loved ones. I encourage you to do your homework, and please, take care of you!
