Celebrating National Family Caregivers Month: Insights and Support
November is National Family Caregivers Month - A special time to honor and appreciate the amazing folks who provide care and support to their loved ones. It’s a month to recognize their dedication and the impact they have on those they care for.
A Personal Note on Caregiving
Caring for my mom was both challenging and rewarding. Here’s what I learned along the way:
Prioritize Self-Care: Take time for activities that rejuvenate and relax you. Self-care helps you be a better caregiver.
Seek Support: Connecting with support groups and counseling helped me feel less isolated.
Talk About Finances: As tough as it can be, discussing financial planning with a professional was crucial. I had a chance to cover this with financial coach Maggie Germano on the Money Circle Podcast.
Set Boundaries: It’s okay to say no and set limits to prevent burnout.
Ask for Help: Reach out to friends, family, and professional services. You don’t have to do it all on your own.
Resource: Care Managers and Navigators
Care managers and navigators make a caregiver's life easier. They coordinate between doctors and families, guide you to the right services, and advocate for your loved one's needs, letting you focus on what matters most.
My family received invaluable support from Lauren Watral at Raleigh Geriatric Care Management. Lauren, a social worker and certified care manager, was a lifeline for me. Here’s how she made a difference:
Assessing Needs: Guided us in understanding and addressing my mom’s concerns.
Crafting Care Plans: Helped us develop a thoughtful care plan.
Providing Emotional Support: Offered great comfort with her empathy and understanding.
Connecting Us to Resources: Assisted us in finding the right healthcare services.
Many people don’t realize how beneficial care managers can be. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, they might be just what you need. For more information, check out:
Aging Life Care Association: aginglifecare.org
Caregiver Action Network: caregiveraction.org
Family Caregiver Alliance: caregiver.org
Local Adult and Senior Services Department
To all the caregivers, thank you for everything you do. Your dedication means a lot. Remember, as you give so much to others, there’s also support available for you.
Take care,
