Providing care to family members who can no longer support themselves can be quite challenging and stressful. Yet millions of Americans work hard as family caregivers. Many of them dedicate what little free time they have outside their own jobs to provide the long-term care their family members need. In support of these caregivers, November has been named National Family Caregiver Month.
Celebrating National Family Caregiver Month
If you are a caregiver, here are a few things you should know:
Don’t forget about your own health – Being a family caregiver is an amazingly selfless act. But it’s important not to jeopardize your own health. In order to provide the best possible care to your family member, you should make sure you keep yourself physically and mentally healthy as well.
It’s okay to take a break – Caregiving is like a fulltime job. If you need a break, take one. Respite care can be provided from a few hours to a few weeks at local senior communities or even at home.
What you do is valuable – Even if you may not always feel like your work is appreciated, the work that you do is incredibly valuable. In fact, the National Alliance for Caregiving and Evercare estimates that the unpaid care that millions of caregivers throughout the U.S. provide is worth around $375 billion.
You are not alone – It can get quite stressful taking care of someone who needs it, especially if they are unable to show their appreciation. Remember there are millions of Americans struggling with the same challenges. It’s why there are many caregiver support groups throughout the country that you can join. You should be able to find a support group locally or online.
It’s important to support family caregivers in your family. They are sacrificing a lot in order to ensure that family members who are chronically ill, aged, or disabled receive the care they need. Stay up-to-date with all the latest health news by continuing to visit us at The Benefits Store.