National Family Caregivers Month: “I Care”
Fifty-three million Americans say, “I care” and serve as the primary caregiver for a family member. That care equals $470 billion economic value, according to the AARP Public Policy Institute.
Evenings after work for some, every Saturday morning for others, every day, and every night for many—family caregiving takes many forms, bringing moments of joy, moments of fatigue, moments of worry, and moments of gratitude. November is National Family Caregiver’s month. Let us pause and show thankfulness to caregivers who give so much to their loved ones.
The Caregivers Action Network of the National Family Caregivers Association suggested the theme for 2024 National Family Caregivers month is “I Care”. This valuable resource for caregivers began advocating for recognition of family caregivers 30 years ago. This initiative strives to develop evidence-based programs, influence public policy, and ease the strain on caregivers. In 1987 former First Lady Rosalyn Carter, who first became a family caregiver at the age of 12, founded the Rosalyn Carter Institute for Caregivers (www.rosalyncarter.org). For over two decades, Presidents and Governors have proclaimed November as Family Caregivers Month.
Caregivers say “I Care” about their loved ones, and often push aside caring for themselves. The Cleveland Clinic defines caregiver burnout as “a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that can happen when you dedicate time and energy to manage the health and safety of someone else.” Symptoms of caregiver burnout include fatigue, stress, anger, anxiety, depression, and withdrawal. This online Caregiver Self-Assessment is a useful tool for evaluating your own behavior and health risks as a caregiver. https://www.healthinaging.org/tools-and-tips/caregiver-self-assessment-questionnaire.
White Memorial Presbyterian Church encourages family caregivers to attend Caregiver Coffees held monthly in The Hub to find connection and conversation with other family caregivers. New friendships, a feeling of support for your situation, sharing resource knowledge, and finding additional resources (see the Health Ministry section, Church website under Congregational Care) to alleviate the challenges in caregiving are among the benefits received from attendance at this gathering. Our church offers many additional supports (Angel food, equipment, special prayers, and connections for family caregivers) that are available through the Health Ministry Coordinator in Congregational Care.
A Stephen Minister can be requested to walk beside you as you care for your loved one. They are well trained and offer confidential, judgement free listening, and care for you. Pastoral Care staff can visit, offer home communion, and pray with you and your care recipient. The Mental Health and Wellness and Health Ministry teams offer educational programs for caregivers.
Though caregivers should be honored all year long, November is a special time to recognize their hard work, courage, and compassion. As any caregiver can tell you, the work of caregiving stretches across 365 days a year, 24/7. Church members help WMPC shine love and light on all caregivers’ gifts and challenges. Let our caregivers know “we care, too.”
Heather Garrabrant
Next Caregiver Coffee, November 20, 2024, 1:00 pm, in the Hub