What is National Family Caregivers Month?
Caregivers often work quietly behind the scenes. Their motivation isn’t driven by recognition but rather the desire to help those they love the most. National Family Caregivers month provides an opportunity to show appreciation and support for their efforts in the lives of millions across the country.
If you’re not familiar with National Family Caregivers Month, it’s celebrated the entire month of November each year to show appreciation and raise awareness about the critical role caregivers play in our society. The pandemic has demonstrated even more awareness around the impact of caregivers. Thanks to a 1997 presidential proclamation that formally recognized the holiday month, it’s continued to grow in prominence ever since.
Currently, in the United States, more than 1 in 5 individuals act as caregivers to an adult or child. Those figures add up to roughly 53 million caregivers across the country. With such high numbers, National Family Caregivers Month provides the perfect opportunity to raise awareness, increase support and recognize their efforts.
How To Show Support For Caregivers
Showing support and appreciation for caregivers in your life doesn’t have to be extravagant or time-consuming. You can make many simple kind gestures that will make caregivers feel recognized. Here are some suggestions for National Family Caregiver Month that you can use to show appreciation for their hard work.
Stop and Listen
In many cases, caregivers don’t have the same social outlets due to their demands and responsibilities. Sometimes, having the opportunity to unburden a trusted friend or family member provides substantial stress relief. Instead of seeking solutions or resolving their issues, sit back and listen. Sometimes that’s all people need. Is to feel heard and recognized. Caregivers have a lot on their plate on a daily basis. Asking a friend or family member who is a caregiver how their day is going may be all it takes to make them feel seen.
Remind Them You’re There
When we stop seeing people as frequently, it’s not uncommon for the typical social courts to fall by the wayside. Unfortunately, feelings of isolation and loneliness are some of the most common challenges caregivers face. Even if you don’t have time to grab dinner with a friend or loved one, there are other ways you can reach out to maintain a connection. Something as simple as an encouraging text message or friendly note can remind your caregiver they’re not alone and they have a reliable friend standing behind them.
Celebrate Them
Most caregivers don’t take on the caregiver role of receiving praise or recognition. They go about their day taking care of others because they are passionate about helping people. In fact, many caregivers don’t think they’re doing anything extraordinary, just what’s right. Celebrating caregivers doesn’t have to be about the work they do day-to-day. Consider other opportunities or important milestones in life and ensure they don’t pass by unnoticed. Sending flowers or treating them to takeout for birthdays or work anniversaries can help them feel important and appreciated.
Find Ways To Help
The gift of time is one of the most incredible things one can offer a caregiver. Their schedules are demanding, and it can be hard for them to find time for the little things. If there are areas of daily life they’re having trouble keeping up, an offer to help may ease their burden. This could include helping with chores, running errands, making meals, or babysitting a child. There are many ways to help and sometimes all it takes is asking if there’s anything you can do.
If you have a loved one or friend who is a caregiver, give them thanks this holiday season. Their efforts show no bounds and we should appreciate their hard work and dedication.