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~ by Richard Sgaglio
November is National Family Caregivers Month and if you’ve ever been the primary caregiver for a child, parent, spouse or another relative or friend, you already know why National Family Caregivers Month is so important. About 66 million aging Americans need care, and who better to provide it than a loving family member?
Love is powerful, but caregiving is tough. In fact, it might be one of the most difficult healthcare roles of all. The days are long, the work is often undervalued and underpaid, and our family members don’t always appreciate the emotional and financial toll it takes to provide care for our loved ones.
The month of November was established as National Family Caregivers Month in 2015 by President Barack Obama to show appreciation and support to those who provide much-needed care for others. This tradition continues today.
Taking care of an aging parent or other family member is rewarding — and incredibly stressful. Since most care takes place in the home, caregivers often feel isolated, lonely, and unappreciated. Managing medications, arranging doctor appointments, planning meals, and keeping your loved one safe and happy are all necessary as part of caregiving but they can be very stressful for a caregiver to manage – especially when you are also managing the responsibilities of your own life –children, job, etc.
According to the Caregiver Action Network, one out of five caregivers admits they have sacrificed their own physical or mental health while caring for a loved one. Because of the stress it adds to our lives, family caregivers have a disproportionate number of health and emotional problems over their non-caregiver counterparts. They are twice as likely to suffer depression and are at increased risk for many other chronic conditions, including:
These are just a few of the issues that can arise when you are a family caregiver putting the needs of someone else over your own. Self-care is critical to providing care. Caregivers often step into the role assuming it will be temporary; but as a loved one’s condition gets worse — or other family members fail to step in and help — caregiving can become an ongoing job. It’s critical to establish strong boundaries, healthy habits, and rules for self-care, in order to stay healthy — and sane!
Although you want what is best for your family member, you are also entitled to have a happy, healthy, and productive life. You must not allow yourself to feel guilty when you attend to your own life, family, career, etc. Caregivers have friends and families of their own. And what about financial goals, hobbies, and education? You have a right to attend to your own life, and that might mean saying “no” to caregiving duties. That’s okay.
Family caregivers must create some rules along the way in order to maintain a proper balance in their lives. For example, establishing boundaries can be difficult, especially if you’re caring for a parent or someone in a position of authority. But it’s essential for the health of everyone involved. (Remember: Just because someone asks you to do something, that doesn’t mean you are obligated to do it!)
Respite care services are designed to support family caregivers. They assist by giving the person you are caring for a safe place to stay while their caregivers take a break. Respite guests can stay at an assisted living community or skilled nursing facility for a few days or even a few weeks. Despite how easily accessible these programs are, few families take advantage of them.
According to a study by the National Alliance of Caregiving and AARP, only 12 percent of family caregivers utilize respite care. Many times it is because the caregivers are unaware these options even exist, other times it is because they feel guilty turning a loved one’s care over to someone else. Experts say using respite services actually makes the family member a better caregiver.
Here are a few of the main reasons why caregivers should explore respite services for a loved one:
There are many caregiver support networks. The Family Caregiver Alliance, National Alliance for Caregiving, Caregiver Action Network, along with many others are all in place to create a support system for those who care.
If you’re caring for a family member, thank you. You are part of an ever- growing group of individuals who work around the clock to better the lives of others. November is the month we salute you and your efforts.
Did you know The Osborn offers respite care for family caregivers? You can learn more about the program here: Respite Care at The Osborn.
The information in the above article is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.