November is National Family Caregivers Month
This is a time to recognize and celebrate those who lovingly give baths, clean houses, shop for and comfort loved ones who are elderly or ill. Providing care is a supremely challenging role, and caregivers deserve our support and praise. If you’re a caregiver:
- Acknowledge and be proud of how much you do. There’s no such thing as a perfect caregiver, so just do your best to get through each day.
- Take breaks. Arranging for respite care services (via skilled caregiving coverage in-home or at a center) will give you much-needed time off.
- Maintain good diet, sleep and exercise habits. Make sure to eat balanced meals. Try not to give in to stress eating. Also, get enough sleep; strive for 7 – 8 hours per night.
- Talk with others about your challenges. A caregiving support group is a great way to share information, support and encouragement.
November is National Caregivers Month! National Caregivers Month provides resources for self-care, advocacy, and de-stressing for our caregivers. The month is dedicated to supporting them as they care for others.
During November, Stamp Out Stigma is taking this opportunity to discuss the importance of caregivers. We will be highlighting the vital work caregivers do each and every day. Being a caregiver can be a labor of love, but it can also be stressful. This month learn how you can be an effective caregiver while also taking care of yourself. Throughout the month of November, we encourage family, friends, and loved ones to learn more about what it takes to be a caregiver and what resources are available to help those who need it.
Here are some important facts you should know:
- About 34.2 million Americans have provided unpaid care to an adult age 50 or older in the last 12 months.
- Approximately 39.8 million caregivers provide care to adults (aged 18+) with a disability or illness or 16.6% of Americans.
- Approximately 43.5 million caregivers who have provided unpaid care to an adult or child in the last 12 months.
- More than 75% of all family caregivers are women. And for many, caregiving is in addition to working full time and raising children of their own.
- About 15.7 million adult family caregivers care for someone who has Alzheimer's disease or other dementia.
Remember, mental illness does not discriminate. Join us to help bring attention to the importance of sharing mental health stories and help improve the lives of millions of Americans living with a mental illness.
Visit MagellanHealthcare.com/about/bh-resources/mymh or call your program for confidential mental health resources.