Recognizing National Caregivers Month
The month of November has been deemed as National Caregiver Month. This month is a time to honor caregivers throughout the country, giving them the recognition they deserve. This month offers the perfect chance to educate, support, and express gratitude for the important roles caregivers play in so many families' lives.
The Importance of Caregivers
Many caregivers are family members who work full-time jobs on top of providing care for loved ones in need. This means that as soon as they get home from work, they must work to ensure that their loved one is comfortable, fed, and has everything they need.
Caregivers sacrifice their time, energy, and money to ensure that their loved one is getting the absolute best care they can offer, sometimes at the detriment of their own health and wellbeing.
The Effects Caregiving Can Have on a Person
Caregiving can have both positive and negative effects on the caregiver. One of the greatest things about caregiving is the connection the caregiver is able to build with their loved one while working to help them feel comfortable, healthy, and happy. However, caregiving has its downsides, as well.
Caregiving can cause the caregiver to neglect their health, leading to both physical and mental health issues. It can be a very stressful job that leaves the caregiver feeling burnt out and exhausted by the end of the day. Caregivers have been found to often struggle with depression, stress, and low ratings of wellbeing.
What You Can do to Recognize National Caregivers Month
Caregiving is one of the toughest roles a person can take on. Those who provide care for loved ones in need deserve immense appreciation and support. This month, you can observe National Caregivers Month by:
- Attend a support group or caregiving conference. As a caregiver, you need all the support you can get. Finding a community of people dealing with similar stresses as you may help you feel less alone and learn more about effective caregiving to ensure you are staying happy and healthy while helping your loved one.
- Take a break. If you are beginning to feel overwhelmed or in need of a break, reach out to a loved one for help in your caregiving tasks. Everybody deserves a break every once in a while- including caregivers. If you can’t find somebody to help, take a nap as the chance arises. You don’t have to fill every waking moment with task after task. It is okay to get a little shut-eye in.
- Take care of yourself. While you may feel as though you have no time to squeeze in a little self-care, know that you cannot pour from an empty cup. Prioritize time to take care of yourself, as this will prove to be critical in keeping you and your loved one happy and healthy.
National Caregiver Month is so important because caregivers truly deserve to know that they are appreciated. Caregivers can be assisted-living workers, nursing home aids, nurses, and more.
They sometimes take care of halls full of patients/residents. If you know a caregiver, utilize this month to let them know you love and appreciate them. If you are a caregiver, take this chance to surround yourself with love and support. You are doing great and deserve to know it. If you have found your mental health struggling or need somebody to talk to, reach out to a mental health professional today.