The
Center for
Family
Caregivers
Mapping your Caregiving Journey
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The
Center for Mapping your Caregiving Journey |
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Kiss a Caregiver! |
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Do
you know a family caregiver_ Chances are you do.
Survey data released from the National Family Caregivers Association
(NFCA) estimates that almost 54 million Americans provide care to an
elderly, disabled or chronically ill, friend or family member.
November
23, 2004, is your day
And,
it's easy-- But November 23 is just the start. Family caregivers do so much; they provide ongoing support, love and medical care to a family member in need. Their job is difficult, overwhelming and exhausting. They may often feel depleted--of physical energy and emotional strength. And, that's where you come in! You can help a family caregiver feel revitalized and renewed. We've put together a few ideas to help you get started: 1. Call the caregiver on a regular basis to find out how he or she is doing. Listen with an open heart--and a non-judgmental ear. You don't have to solve the problems--just listening is the best help you can offer. 2. Volunteer to stay with the care recipient one evening or afternoon a week, every other week, or every month--whatever you can offer. Encourage the caregiver to enjoy the break--and not worry about you or the care recipient. 3. Send a note expressing your love and admiration for the family caregiver. 4. Encourage the family caregiver to keep up their own interests and hobbies--and help them find the time needed to do so. Often, family caregivers feel that they've lost themselves, that their own personalities somehow got "fuzzy" or out-of-focus. Ensuring a family caregiver has the time and support to pursue their own interests fights off the "fuzzies". 5. Lessen the caregiver's load by running errands when you can. Offer to pick up groceries, medications, whatever the caregiver needs. 6. Call the caregiver and say, "Don't worry about dinner. I'll bring it over at 5:30." It doesn't have to be fancy. It just has to be from you. 7. Be a library runner. Ask the caregiver what books/videos he or she would like from the library. A good book or great movie can be a refreshing break for a caregiver. 8. Offer to make phone calls on behalf of the family caregiver to learn about community services that can help. 9. Stop for a visit--with the family caregiver and the care recipient 10. Share a hug! Caregivers give so much of themselves--they need regular "hug replacements". Thank you for your support--you've making a tremendous difference in the life of a family caregiver. Interested in learning more about the family caregiver experience_ You can read about it--in their words. Our sister site, caregiving, has posted The Family Caregiver Platform, which was created by family caregivers. |
Donate to The Center for Family Caregivers:
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When you care for a family
member with a chronic illness or disability, |