November marks National Family Caregiver month - a time to acknowledge the hard work and important role that family caregivers play in caring for those who are sick, elderly or disabled.
According to the Caregiver Action Network, more than 65 million people in the United States provide care for someone else, which may include preparing meals, managing medications, assisting with personal care, managing finances and helping a family member or loved one with other daily life activities.
Most people know at least one caregiver. It might be a family member, friend, co-worker or neighbor who is balancing caregiving responsibilities with their own family and work-related obligations. You probably have noticed this person seems different lately; perhaps he or she is not returning your phone calls or has declined your offers for help. Caregivers are often under a significant amount of stress and rarely reach out for help - even declining help when it's offered - because they don't want to burden someone else.
Here are some tips to help the family caregivers you know:
? Let your friend know that although you don't know what it's like to be in their situation, you would like to help in any way you can. Try to imagine what it would be like to be in their shoes and think about what type of assistance would be helpful for you. Or, if you have been a caregiver, consider the different tasks that you appreciated help with.
? When you offer to help, be prepared with a few specific tasks you would be willing to do, like walk your friend's dog, take her kids to the park one evening or pick up some groceries.
? When you call or make contact, realize he or she might not be able to talk as long as usual, but the caregiver likes knowing you're thinking about him or her. It means a lot. If you stop by, bring something to brighten the caregiver's day, like fresh cut flowers from your yard, a plate of cookies or something as simple as a hug.
? Make a point to call before you visit and offer to pick up items from the store or pharmacy on your way over.
? Allow the caregiver to vent. Listen to what he or she says. You don't need to have any answers to his or her frustrations; it helps them to share what's on his or her mind.
? Bring in a meal for the caregiver and clean up afterward. Although the caregivers make sure the person he or she is caring for eats well, the caregivers is likely neglecting his or her own nutrition.
Often, simple things, such as kind, reassuring words can be a valuable source of support to a caregiver. Caregivers deal with stress, anger, pain and often daily changes that can be frightening. Words of encouragement might be just the fuel he or she needs to keep going.
For more information on caregiver support and resources available to assist family caregivers, call the Aging & Disability Resource Center of Central Wisconsin at 888-486-9545.
Source: Caregiver Action Network. (2013). Caregiving Statistics. Retrieved May 8, 2013, from http://caregiveraction.org/statistics/