(Originally published in the Westchase WOW)
In honor of those caring for family and friends who are sick or disabled, November is National Family Caregivers Month and National Homecare and Hospice Month.  Some caregivers take care of family members at home, others in conjunction with an assisted living program, and others may be part of the decision-making process.  These two observances go hand-in-hand.

National Caregivers Month is led by CAN, Caregivers Action Network.  They provide education and support to families caring for someone who needs assistance.  According to a study by AARP, 20 percent of people caring for a family member are unpaid, over 20 percent are caring for more than one family member, and 20 percent have reported that their own health is worse because of the care they provide for others.

The National Association for Homecare and Hospice (NAHC) is a nonprofit organization that strives to provide the highest quality of home care.  November celebrates the network of volunteers including administrators, nurses, social workers, and therapists.

Often, caregivers are impacted physically, emotionally, and financially.  Sometimes there are conflicts between working and caring for a family member.  The stresses of caring for someone can lead to resentment, depression, and exhaustion, which can lead to other health challenges.  Therefore, caregivers need to have a community of support.

A few tips to help manage the stress of being a caregiver are:

  1. Seek support through community resources like CAN, NAHC, and social workers – You are not alone!
  2. Practice relaxation techniques like breathing exercises and meditation – just taking a few minutes to breathe in and slowly breathe out is one technique.
  3. Financial planning – Look at your options regarding financial resources. Finances can be a huge stressor, so understanding your options is imperative.  Speak with professionals and others you know who have gone through the same thing.
  4. Exercise – Moving your body can do wonders, even if you are only able to go for a brief walk.
  5. Sense of humor – Look for the lighter, brighter side in situations, and opportunities to laugh and enjoy the moment.
  6. Take care of yourself – arrange time away so that you can relax and do something that you enjoy. A professional or a trusted friend can stay with your loved one, while you get a manicure (or whatever it is you like that can refresh you).

Here are a few hashtags from the Administration for Community Living (ACL) website that you can use during November or any time of the year to raise awareness.

  • #NFCMonth
  • #NationalFamilyCaregivingMonth
  • #CaregivingHappens 
  • #RAISEcaregiving (Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, Engage – ACL’s official tag)
  • #FamilyCaregiver (A larger conversation on family caregiving)