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In November we Honor National Family Caregivers Month.
I had the privilege of being the caregiver for both of my parents through their illness and eventual deaths from cancer. I recall one of my friends remarking, “ I cannot tell anymore which one of you is sick !” I was sleep deprived, hungry, angry, and as I know now, afraid. I finally realized I needed help with my role as caretaker. I started by taking a belly dance class for an hour when my mom was in treatment. I then recruited a family member to visit with my mom for 3 hours on Sunday so I knew I had that sacred stretch of time for myself. Sometimes I would take myself out to eat sweet potato fries, other times I would walk along the ocean. It was difficult at first not to feel guilty. After a time I realized if I didn’t take care of myself, I couldn’t be there for my family – it is similar to when the flight attendant suggests you put the air mask on yourself first before helping others. If you are a caretaker, perhaps you can try to take a bit of time for yourself during this month of honoring you! (Disclaimer – All views expressed here are my own and do no represent the opinions of any entity whatsoever with which I have been, am now or will be affiliated. )
If you know someone currently in the caregiver role, here are a few ways to give support to Caregivers during this month and beyond –
1. Offer a few hours of respite time to a family caregiver so they can spend time with friends, or simply relax.
2. Send a card of appreciation or a bouquet of flowers to brighten a family caregiver’s day.
3. Encourage local businesses to offer a free service for family caregivers through the month of November.
4. Help a family caregiver decorate their home for the holidays or offer to address envelopes for their holiday cards.
5. Offer comic relief! Purchase tickets to a local comedy club, give a family caregiver your favorite funny movie to view, or provide them with a book on tape.
6. Find 12 different photos of the caregiver’s family and friends. Create a 2011 calendar that the family caregiver can use to keep track of appointments and events.
7. Offer to prepare Thanksgiving dinner for a caregiving family in your community, so they can just relax and enjoy the holiday.
8. Take a few minutes to write a letter to encourage your faith community to ask for prayers not only for those who are ill, but also those who care for them.
9. Encourage family caregivers to become a part of the National Family Caregiver Story Project found at http://www.thefamilycaregiver.org/. It’s a great place to not only share but read about others in similar situations.
10. Help a family caregiver find new educational materials and support through family caregiving websites or by calling local social service agencies for help.
Organizations
https://aging.ny.gov/programs/caring-loved-one
Resources
www.thefamilycaregiver.org.
