5 Ways to Recognize Family Caregivers
Celebrated every November, National Family Caregivers Month is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate caregivers around the United States. And, November is also a time to educate others about the importance family caregivers play.
1. Offer a time to listen
Being a family caregiver of a loved one with medical complexities can sometimes prove exhausting and stressful. Lending a listening ear can help the family caregiver release some of their worries, stresses, anxieties, and sorrows.
2. Bring a family caregiver food
When you care for others, it can be easy to forget to care for yourself. Bringing a fresh homecooked meal is a great way to recognize a family caretaker’s daily hardships and work.
3. Make caregivers feel included
Because caretakers spend most of their time on their feet, scheduling time to see friends is not always an easy decision because they are exhausted. But, always including or inviting a family caregiver, even though you know they may not attend, makes them feel special. Including them in the conversation shows appreciation for your friendship and relationship with them.
4. Advocate for a family caregiver
Advocating for a family caregiver to receive more support and education around their profession can make a lasting impact in their life. The National Family Caregiver Support Program hosted by the Administration for Community Living provides multiple services such as:
- Information to caregivers about available services
- Assistance to caregivers in gaining access to the services
- Individual counseling, organization of support groups, and caregiver training
- Respite care; and
- Supplemental services, on a limited basis
(List provided by the Administration for Community Living)
To view a full library of programs and ways to advocate please visit www.acl.gov/programs/support-caregivers.
Team Select Home Care is a proud advocate of family caregivers and actively helps to bring the Family CNA Program to medically fragile families across the country. Learn more about this program at https://tshc.com/fcna/.
5. Thank the family caregivers you know
Saying “thank you” and writing a card to a caregiver you know is an amazing way to show appreciation during National Family Caregivers Month.
Follow along with us this month on our social media with #NFCMonth!