We all want the best for the people we love. Throughout life, we do for them. Last month at the Area Agency on Aging’s Annual Celebration, all attendees were moved by the story behind this year’s Caregiver of the Year Award, responding with a standing ovation and cheers. It was well deserved.
There are unsung heroes everywhere. Since 1994, November has served as National Family Caregivers Month. It’s seen as a time to raise awareness of family caregiver issues, celebrate the efforts of family caregivers, educate family caregivers about how to monitor their own limits, increase support for their efforts and reduce feelings of isolation.
We’ve all been involved in caregiving, even though sometimes not recognizing it as such. It can start small; helping someone get to an appointment or event, taking on chores, touching base with someone more frequently.
For some, it can escalate to round-the-clock attention and assistance with even the most common of daily activities. While a labor of love, it can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Support from other family and friends is more than important, it’s critical.
Per USAging, “An estimated 53 million Americans, or 20 percent of the general population, provide care for an older adult, or someone living with illness or disability … recent estimates indicate the value of unpaid caregiving has now reached $470 billion annually.” Families are, by far, the primary source of unpaid caregiving.
What can you do to support someone? Or, if you’re a caregiver, what can you do to support yourself?
To support someone, stay in contact. Maybe just to listen, to offer help with chores and/or errands. Maybe visit with the person needing care, so the caregiver can get away to attend to their needs or maybe just have some respite. Ask what might be helpful. Be aware that isolation can become a major issue; your contact is important.
If you’re a caregiver, you’ll find many online tips for being a good caregiver. Among the top 10 is seeking support from other caregivers. You are not alone. There are many opportunities to connect with other caregivers either in-person or online.
On the home page at areaagencyonaging.org you’ll see a link for caregivers. Click it and you’ll see Trualta Caregiver Support. This will take you to a nationally-reputed opportunity where you can join an online support group and participate actively or just take it in. It’s easy to move from there, clicking on multiple resources of interest. No cost or obligation.
If you click on classes & events on the same homepage and scroll through the varied class offerings, you’ll find another option, Caregiving Support Group hosted by Caring Circle In-Person or via Zoom from 1-2 p.m. Nov. 21. Whatever you choose, don’t put off getting connected. You’ll help your loved one and yourself by participating.
Another top tip: accept offers of help, and ask for it when you need it. People care about you. Give yourself a break from chores or caregiving in general. Call the Info-line for Aging & Disability at 1-800-6542810 and ask about respite services. There are services out there designed to give you back some time. As a public service of Area Agency on Aging, Info-Line experts can brainstorm with you what your options might be.
I love these two quotes from unknown sources. “To care for those who once cared for us is one of the highest honors.” “To love a person is to see all of their magic, and to remind them of it when they have forgotten.”
For all of us, this month especially, recognize the work of caregivers as a partnership with the person they’re caring for. Both recipient and care provider are working hard to make it a success. Say thank you, say they’re appreciated and maybe plan a visit. Time well spent.
Lynn Kellogg is former CEO of Region IV Area Agency on Aging in Southwest Michigan. Questions on age or independence services? Call the Info-Line for Aging & Disability at 800-654-2810 or visit areaagencyonaging.org. The Generations column appears each weekend in The Herald-Palladium.