National Family Caregivers Month

As a case management company that helps in coordinating ongoing care for patients with serious or chronic illnesses, we know all too well the monumentally important role that family caregivers play in the recovery of, and continuing challenges faced by, their loved ones.  This November (and every month of the year), we would like to join with the Nation in recognizing, encouraging and supporting these “heroes” for all they do, day in and day out, to assist in maintaining the health of those in need.

The National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA) was the first to ‘celebrate’ these family caregivers in 1994 by announcing National Family Caregivers Week.  The first proclamation issued by a President in recognition of family caregivers was done in 1997 by President Clinton.  In his proclamation this year, President Obama honored family caregivers for “…bringing comfort and friendship to treasured citizens” and acknowledging the “…heavy emotional, physical and financial toll…” that dedicated care giving can have on family members.

It’s estimated that family caregivers are the ones in America these days to step up to the plate in 80 percent of long-term care scenarios, translating into a calculated $375 billion of home health care.  The largest demographic age group in the United States (47 million)…the Baby Boomers…is now beginning to face the role of caregiver for aging parents, as well as other relatives and friends.   A recent 12-month survey by the NFCA reported 26.6 percent (or approximately 54 million people) had been involved in care giving over that time span, 56 percent of who were female and 44 percent male.  In addition, according to the Family Caregiver Alliance, single parents make up 75 percent of the caregivers in homes with seriously ill children.

Taking these statistics into consideration, it’s glaringly apparent that these caregivers have made a huge commitment to their children, parents, and other loved ones… one that comes with a great deal of sacrifice.   Of utmost importance is that these caregivers find time and put forth the effort to maintain their own health and well-being.  To that end, we would like to suggest the following recommendations and resources:

• Family caregivers need personal time to take care of their own needs.  They need to remember “caregiver” is just one of their identities; it’s important to nurture the others.
• Be sure to spend time with friends and family; have some fun.
• Don’t try to do it all.  Look into flextime or paid family leave to lighten the load a little.
• Check on independent services that can help, such as home health care, and case management companies, such as Health Management Connect, that can ease stress through education, resources, and support.

Organizations and associations that can help include:

• Family Caregiver Alliance –  (800-445-8106)
• Andre Sobel River of Life Foundation
• National Family Caregivers Association
• Family Care Giving 101

If you know of someone who is responsible for providing care giving for a loved one, reach out to him or her this month in recognition of his or her efforts.  If you are a caregiver, be sure to avail yourself of resources available to you.  As Family Care Giving 101’s theme for caregivers this month suggests:

BELIEVE in Yourself…PROTECT your health…REACH OUT for help