Why Caregivers Are So Important To Me

Today is the last day of National Family Caregivers Month, something I wrote about two weeks ago. Caregiving and its importance is something that's been close to my heart for almost thirty years. Writing about caregiving and caregivers is my way of thanking them for the special care they give to others every day.

The caregivers I know and love are completely devoted to making sure no one faces their daily struggles alone. They are selfless, caring people who are my true heroes.

caregivers

A few years ago I visited a local assisted living facility on behalf of National Multiple Sclerosis Society. I was there to present the basics about MS to care-workers in charge of twenty-five Multiple Sclerosis residents. All of these residents were younger than me, many forced to leave their husbands and young children behind as their disease progressed. Their story broke my heart.

When I met the care-workers they were eager to learn the basics of MS because they wanted to take special care of these young patients. Their request touched my heart. When I met the residents I saw the special bond between patient and care-worker. My heart was a little less broken after learning that my peers were in capable hands.

But caregiving in an assisted facility is an example of paid caregiving. This month has been a time to recognize unpaid caregivers, likes the ones I have in my life and the over 40 million unpaid U.S. caregivers providing care for a family member or friend. Most are not medical professionals. They are caring and compassionate people who are responsible for the physical and emotional needs of someone struggling with the tasks of daily living.

Almost three in ten people who are caring for someone say their life has changed with caregiving, oftentimes for the negative. More than one in five say their weight, their exercise, or their social life has/have suffered.  Emotionally, one in five say they are generally unhappier and one in three say they feel sad or depressed.

That’s why AARP created a community where caregivers can connect with experts and other caregivers and can find information and tools to take even better care of the person who once took care of them.

The Ad Council, in conjunction with AARP, is trying to raise awareness for the Caregiver Assistance campaign. This year they are kicking off a program designed to encourage all Americans to perform an unexpected ‘Random Act of Kindness’ for a caregiver.

By starting a nationwide movement their aim is to raise awareness of caregiving and caregivers while also directly reaching caregivers. It is their hope that this campaign will help alleviate some of the daily stresses caregivers face and reward them for their ongoing support.

Here’s how you can take part in Random Acts of Kindness for Caregivers:

Want to share this important campaign on social media? Here are some sample tweets:

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Element Associates and Midlife Boulevard.

Random Acts of Kindness for Caregivers During National Caregivers Month

November is National Caregivers Month, a time to recognize the often-overlooked dedication of over 40 million unpaid U.S. caregivers who provide care for a family member or friend. Most caregivers are not medical professionals. They are caring and compassionate people who are responsible for the physical and emotional needs of someone struggling with the tasks of daily living.

caregivers

We are either caregivers, have a caregiver or know of one. Their role is an important one both functionally and economically. We recognize that their responsibilities can be rewarding, exhausting, confusing or frustrating. Many are boomer women sandwiched in between the needs of their parents and children while continuing to be a part of the work force. Their role is not an easy one.

During the month of November it's important for us to recognize the hard work and dedication of all caregivers. They deserve our gratitude and thanks.

That’s why AARP created a community where caregivers can connect with experts and other caregivers to find valuable information and tools to help them take care of themselves.

caregiving

Engagement photo, 1987. My husband takes on the role of caregiver as my MS changes with age. He sees us as a team and takes care of me when I need it. With a smile on his face he makes sure I continue to be as healthy as possible. I feel blessed to be his wife. This week we'll be celebrating our 27th wedding anniversary!

The Ad Council, in conjunction with AARP, is trying to raise awareness for the Caregiver Assistance campaign. This year they are kicking off a program designed to encourage all Americans to perform an unexpected ‘Random Act of Kindness’ for a caregiver.

By starting a nationwide movement their aim is to raise awareness of caregiving and caregivers while also directly reaching caregivers. It is their hope that this campaign will help alleviate some of the daily stresses caregivers face and reward them for their ongoing support.

Here’s how you can take part in Random Acts of Kindness for Caregivers:

Want to share this important campaign on social media? Here are some sample tweets:

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Element Associates and Midlife Boulevard.

Thank A Caregiver: November Is National Family Caregivers Month

Disclosure: November is National Family Caregivers Month, so I'm pleased to be working with Midlife Boulevard to bring you this important public service information. 

caregivers

My husband has been my caregiver for the past 26 years. He sees what no one else sees of my daily struggles with Multiple Sclerosis. He selflessly and lovingly steps in to take care of me, but it's a job he never asked for. There've been times when it's extremely stressful but he's never complained. He does his best each day to keep me as happy and healthy as possible.

Our son has grown up seeing our loving relationship, and today the three of us are a close-knit family who are a team. I know that someday if he is called upon to take care of someone he loves, he'll be more than able to do it. He's had the best example in his father.

caregivers

My family (1994)

That is the reason why I was thrilled to learn that November is National Family Caregivers Month. AARP and the Ad Council have launched new public service announcements (PSAs) illustrating how the changing role of parents and children can impact your life.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVvFamFrdww

Since its inception in 2012 the Caregiver Assistance campaign has received over $72.4 million in donated media and AARP.com/caregiving has received more than 15 millions visits.

There's a reason why there is so much interest. More than 42 million caregivers in the U.S. provide an estimated $450 billion worth of unpaid care to aging relatives and friends, because most caregivers are also working and managing their own families. This is stressful and can put the caregiver at risk for physiological and financial problems.

Over the years I've had the privilege of knowing many other caregivers who selflessly care for loved ones. Their job is a difficult one, and it's one they never imagined they'd have. But when you see a loved one struggling with an illness you jump in to help.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8Xn28i9_l0&feature=youtu.be

A sense of community for caregivers, where they can share stories with other caregivers or find resources for information, is important to keep their sanity! AARP has provided a host of resources to create such a caring community:

 I want to take this opportunity to thank all caregivers everywhere, and to AARP and the Ad Council for helping to raise awareness about this important issue. From my heart to yours..

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