Remember National Caregivers Month

There is still time to acknowledge National Caregivers Month this November.

Millions of Americans who serve as caregivers for elderly friends and family members every day do so without expecting any reward, or even recognition. The fact is, nearly 68 million caregivers provide elderly Americans with about 90% of the total elder care services provided in the United States every year. They also do this without ever being paid for their efforts.

November is National Caregiver Month. As Thanksgiving and the holidays approach, it can be a good idea to consider your friends, coworkers, or family members who care for the elderly. Many of these caregivers perform thankless tasks, and some of them do so at their own expense. Here are some tips that you might use if you are a caregiver, or know someone who is.

Meet and Celebrate

National Caregivers Month can be a reason to have a party. If you are a caregiver and no others in a similar position, you might want to schedule some time to get together. A simple gathering of peers where you can sit and talk about your concerns, or just blow off a little steam, can be a great resource. If you’re a little more ambitious, you might consider a monthly meeting where you and other caregivers can meet.

Organize

Some of the biggest headaches caregivers face arise because they can’t find needed documentation or records. It’s almost always beneficial to schedule some time for yourself when you can sit down, collect needed documents, and organize them in a way that will make them easy to locate. Keeping track of bills, important documents, and anything else related to your caregiving activities will save you untold time in the future.

Reflect

In the hectic days that so typify the average life of a caregiver, it’s easy to neglect yourself and your own needs. Caregivers often, for example, suffer from depression without ever recognizing what’s going on. They can also feel guilty when they take time for themselves because they feel as if it’s taking time away from the person they’re caring for. Always remember that the care you provide is only as good as you want. If you are suffering, in need of help, or are neglecting your own health, the person you’re caring for will also suffer with you. You must be able to reflect on your own needs and address any concerns you have in order to provide the best possible care.

Research

As the population grows older and technology continues to advance, new tools are becoming available every day that can help caregivers in their daily duties. Researching new technologies and tools can provide some excellent support for you, your family, and those you care for.