Press Release: Let’s Give Thanks for Family Caregivers
Press Release: Let’s Give Thanks for Family Caregivers
As you visit your family this month and over the holidays, you may find that your plans change at the last minute. Maybe the location changes because your aunt’s mom had a stroke so she’s unable to host everyone at her house. You might be late for dinner because your son broke his leg and needs to be picked up at the ER. This unexpected event could delay your dinner plans. Sometimes, #CaregivingHappens when you had other plans. It’s not always convenient or predictable.
This year, for National Family Caregivers Month, #CaregivingHappens raises awareness of family caregivers as people realize that caregiving just happens. A co-worker might be late because they received a call about their father having a heart attack while driving to work. This unexpected news could delay their arrival at the office. Your friend might cancel dinner plans last minute due to a family emergency. #CaregivingHappens raises awareness among doctors about the integral role of family caregivers in their loved ones’ care team.
#CaregivingHappens: Recognizing Family Caregivers
Fittingly, November is also Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. It’s important to recognize those who care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s. Family caregivers often notice when something is wrong with their loved one. They encourage their loved ones to seek medical attention when needed. If a doctor wants to know how their patient is doing, the best person to ask is their family caregiver. Family caregivers closely monitor their loved one’s treatment plan and symptoms. They report any medication side effects they observe to healthcare providers.
You may start caregiving for one reason and have it develop into something completely different. As one caregiver said, “My mother initially came to live with me to recover from a hip replacement. They expected recovery to take 3 to 6 months. During her stay, dementia signs emerged, leading to a later diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. #CaregiveringHappens. I became my mother’s sole caregiver for 15 years while being employed full-time. Caring for my mother with Alzheimer’s was incredibly challenging, I treasure the opportunity I had to show her my love. No regrets!”
John Schall, CAN CEO, believes #CaregivingHappens illustrates that caregiving often occurs spontaneously in a family caregiver’s life.“It happens when you least expect it, is not always convenient, and may disrupt plans.”
National Family Caregivers Month is a time to recognize and honor family caregivers across the country. Caregiver Action Network (CAN), the nation’s leading family caregiver organization, selects each year’s theme for National Family Caregivers Month and spearheads the celebration of National Family Caregivers Month nationally. Be sure to follow and like CAN on Facebook and Instagram.
