Honoring Those Who Care: National Family Caregivers Month
Caregiving is one of the most important roles a person can play. A caregiver is someone who provides care for a relative or a close friend and dedicate their lives to the health, happiness, and wellness of those they care for. We all know that caregiving can be a challenging task. This role often leads to long-term stress and even burnout despite the love that motivates each day. That is why it is so important to honor caregivers during National Family Caregivers Month.
November is National Family Caregivers Month. It is a time to say "thank you" and to show your appreciation for the hard work that family caregivers provide to ensure the comfort and happiness of your loved ones.
Recognizing the Dedication of Family Caregivers
Family caregivers donate hours of their lives each day to taking care of a loved one. Some families work in teams, but often there is just one person who has become the primary caregiver for an elderly or disabled relative. These family members or close friends provide the benefit of their mobility, mental clarity, and available time to keep someone they love safe and happy.
This takes incredible dedication and a strength of spirit that not everyone can possess. This National Family Caregivers Month, we proudly recognize the dedication of family caregivers to a task and person that they truly care about.
The Unsung Heroes Among Us
Family caregivers often go unsung, with their hard work barely mentioned by relatives who have not experienced the caregiving role. This National Family Caregivers Month, we're turning the tables. It's time to let the caregiver in your family know how much everyone appreciates the work they do.
Family caregivers are the reason a widow or widower does not have to feel lonely. They are the reason a stately elder can still live independently in their home. They take on the responsibility so that others can enjoy the simple pleasure of a strong family bond.
It's time to sing the praises of the unsung heroes in your family.
National Family Caregivers Month - A Time of Gratitude and Acknowledgment
Spend this month looking for ways to acknowledge the hard work done by family caregivers and to show gratitude. Those who are cared for may take the time to say "thank you" more often. They can also share the things they appreciate most about their caregiver's affectionate and attentive care. Relatives who know a family caregiver should also share their thanks for making warm family moments possible for everyone because they take such good care of an aging loved one.
National Family Caregivers Month presents a wonderful time to share a special gift, like a basket of luxurious wellness items, a massage certificate, or a day off by hiring a professional caregiver to take their place from time to time. Ask your family caregiver what they would most enjoy or, if they are the kind of person to deflect these questions, surprise them with something nice that shows your appreciation.
Join Our Caregiving Community
Caregivers come from all walks of life and unique family situations. Join our caregiving community, even if your experience is just with caring for a close relative or friend. You are a caregiver who deserves to be both appreciated and supported. At Elite Choice, we belive that if caregiving is a superpower, then Elite Choice caregivers are superheroes. Our main concern is to support the consumer and caregiver in as many ways as we can.
Written by: Leah Ganz
Leah Ganz, RN, BSN is the Director of Patient Services at Elite Home Health Care. She has an extensive background in homecare and previously worked in various specialties including pediatrics, pain management and internal medicine. She oversees all patient services across Elite's departments.