10 Facts Caregivers Should Know

Posted on

Apr 27, 2021

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Submitted By: HomeWell Care Services- click here for more information*

HomeWell Care Services is proud tohonor more than44 million heroic family caregivers across the United States and support them during National Family Caregivers Month this November.
Join us as we celebrate caregivers and theinvaluable work they doand read our list ofthings that every family caregiver should know and remember this month.

November isNational Family Caregivers Month, a tradition that began as National Family Caregivers Week in the mid-1990s.
The importance of family caregivers has gained recognition over the years, and the National Family Caregivers awareness week has now grown into an awareness month due to formerPresident Barack Obamas proclamationin 2012.
Across America, daughters and sons balance the work ofcaring for aging parentswith 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. As we offer our appreciation and admiration for their difficult work, let us also extend our own offers of support to them and their loved ones.
10Facts Caregivers Should Know During National Family Caregivers Month

1. 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)
2. Help is available.
If you do decide that your loved one needs more than you alone can provide, A Place for Mom can help. Our Senior Living Advisors work one-on-one with families to help them find the most appropriate care for theirparent or senior loved one.Read more aboutSenior Living Advisorswho can help in your area.
3. Knowledge can make your job easier.
A National Alliance for Caregiving survey found that 73% of caregivers said that praying helps them to cope with the stress. 44% said that readingbooks about caregivingand visitingsupportive websites like ourshelps them manage their dailyfrustrationand gives them a sense of community.(National Alliance for Caregiving)
4. You are Americas #1 long-term care provider.
Family caregivers provide a staggering 90% of long-term care in America.(The National Academy of Medicine)
5. You are not alone.
More than 65 million Americanscare for their aging or disabled loved oneson a yearly basis. (National Alliance for Caregiving)
6. Youcan take a break.
Just because youve committed to caring for a parent or senior loved one doesnt mean you cant take a break.Respite careis short-term care, lasting anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks, that can be provided at a local senior living community or even in the home.Adult daycareis another similar option. Theseservicesallow family caregivers to recharge with the knowledge that their loved one is safe and sound.
7. You have limits.
Despite the demonstrated perseverance and strength of family caregivers,each of us has limits. Its important to recognize when our loved one has declined to the point that professional care is the best option.
8. You have someone to talk to.
Caregiver support groups meet throughout the U.S. For those caring for a loved one with Alzheimers disease or dementia, the Alzheimers Association maintains adatabase of support groups. General caregiving support groups that arent specifically focused on memory loss can be found by contacting your local hospital. Furthermore, there are many online support groups for caregivers.
9. You have to care for yourself first.
If youre not keeping yourself happy and healthy, its doubtful that you will be able to do your best for your parent or senior loved one. Review theCaregiver Bill of Rightsand remember to take care of yourself.
10. Your work is valuable.
The value of theunpaid carethese 65 million caregivers provide is estimated to be worth $375 billion. (National Alliance for Caregiving)

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