Honoring Caregivers During National Family Caregivers Month

Brian Boekhout | posted November 17, 2011 |

During November’s National Family Caregivers Month, we honor those in the U.S. who provide a vitally important role. The dedication and compassion these people show make them indispensible—they are the bedrock for continuity of care. No one else is in such a position as to be intimately familiar with their care recipients’ medical, treatment, dietary and exercise regimens. This month, we stop to say thank you and to support, educate and empower all caregivers.

According to National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA), family caregivers provide 80% of our country’s long-term-care services. Currently, family caregivers provide over $306 billion annually of free caregiving services to their loved ones.

As President Barack Obama said in a recent proclamation, “As we observe National Family Caregivers Month, we honor the tireless compassion of Americans who heal, comfort, and support our injured, our elders, and people with disabilities. This month and throughout the year, let the quiet perseverance of our family caregivers remind us of the decency and kindness to which we can all aspire.”

Homecare can be provided for those with acute illness, long-term health conditions, permanent disability, or terminal illness. It’s a booming field—job growth in the field is expected to increase a whopping 48 percent by 2018 and more family members will become caregivers. One reason is because for the next 20 years, 10,000 baby boomers a day will turn 65 and, according to a recent study, more than 90% of those surveyed want to stay in their homes as long as possible.

Here are a few simple ways to show your support for a caregiver.

Five Ways to Celebrate National Family Caregivers Month

1. Offer a few hours of your time to a family caregiver so he or she can relax or spend time with friends.

2. Send a card of gratitude or a vase of flowers to brighten a caregiver's day.

3. Offer to help a family caregiver decorate his or her home for the holidays—you’ll bring cheer and provide great help.

4. Encourage family caregivers to become a part of the National Family Caregiver Story Project found at thefamilycaregiver.org. It's a great place to not only share, but read about others in similar situations.

5. Direct a family caregiver to new educational materials and support through family caregiving websites, like the National Family Caregivers Association or the National Association for Home Care and Hospice.