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Posts Tagged ‘family caregivers’
President Obama Proclaims November as National Family Caregivers Month
Last month President formally declared November as National Family Caregivers Month. An excerpt from the proclamation says:
The true strength of the American family finds its roots in an unwavering commitment to care for one another. In difficult times, Americans come together to ensure our loved ones are comfortable and safe. Whether caring for a parent, relative, or child, our Nation’s caregivers selflessly devote their time and energy to the well-being of those they look after. During National Family Caregivers Month, we honor the individuals providing essential services to family members who could not otherwise look after themselves.
Caregiver support is at the heart of my Administration’s commitment to assisting our Nation’s families. Currently, a variety of programs and services offer help and encouragement to family caregivers. The National Family Caregiver Support Program and the Lifespan Respite Care Act include important resources for caregivers of children and adults, with opportunities to receive much-needed assistance and take part in support programs with other families. These programs allow individuals to remain with their families for as long as possible while helping to ensure the wellness of participating care providers.
The rest of the proclamation can be read at: http://tinyurl.com/yzb36ch
Caregivers have been observing November as National Family Caregivers Month for quite some time. Thanks to President Obama, it is now an official observation.
Thank you Mr. President!
Caregivers, Have You Been Affected By The Economy?
This note is from the National Family Caregivers Association. If you fit this profile and are willing to be interviewed, please contact Sherri Snelling at the number listed below.
Dear NFCA Members and Friends-
Evercare, an NFCA corporate partner, and the National Alliance for Caregiving, are conducting a survey to measure the impact of the economic downtown on caregiving families. If you fit any of the profiles below and would be willing to talk with the media about it please contact:
Sherri Snelling
714-226-2252
Are you caring for someone over age 18 who has been adversely affected by the recent economic downturn and is struggling financially to continue to cover caregiving costs. If yes have you experienced any of the following?
>Family Caregivers who have had a change in their work situation (been laid off, cut back on hours or their spouse has been laid off from work) and the cost of caregiving is an added burden hard to continue
>Family Caregivers who have had to move in with their loved one or their loved one has moved in with them to save costs
>Family Caregivers who have been trying to sell their loved one’s home and cannot in this mortgage crisis
>Family Caregivers who are incurring credit card debt, using savings or just struggling to pay bills because they are also covering caregiving costs
If you are a family caregivers who fit this description (or know one) and would be interested in being contacted by media, please contact Sherri Snelling (contact info above) before April 6
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Family caregivers typically live under tight financial straits. In fact most of the calls we get on the NFCA HELP line are from family caregivers seeking financial assistance. Please contact us and/or Sherri to tell your story. You can also post it in the Story Project section of the website. https://www.thefamilycaregiver.org/connecting_caregivers/share_your_story.cfm?&CFID=9876962&CFTOKEN=25381308 by clicking here or copying it into your browser.
Suzanne Mintz
10 Reasons to Learn Elder Care Basics
About this time last year, we made the decision to move my god-sister to Georgia so I could take care of her. Also about that time, I had some conversations with my accountant who was looking after her father who lived alone. Both of us are now taking care of elderly family members. One of my co-workers spends two weekends a month taking care of her mother in another city. None of us had a lot of time to think about or plan for it.
This is not the exception, it is the norm. Strokes, heart attacks, Alzheimer’s and the normal aging process are just a few of the reasons we become caregivers. They are also some of the reasons we are caught off guard. Strokes and heart attacks are unexpected. Alzheimer’s usually sneaks up on us because we either don’t know or ignore the symptoms.
- Our society is aging at a rapid rate. More and more of us will be taking care of aging family members.
- There are more than 54 million family caregivers in the United Stated today. That number will rise significantly within the next 5-10 years.
- The government is not prepared to provide assistance for family caregivers.
- Families should have a course of action prepared to take care of aging family members.
- Consideration should be given to changes that need to be made to the home.
- Living wills and legal documents should be prepared and signed before any form of dementia sets in.
- Begin reading about elder care, aging and forms of dementia to prepare for future issues.
- Become familiar with drug stores and medical supply stores in your community so you will know where to buy supplies.
- Start searching out geriatricians and other doctors who specialize in caring for the elderly.
- Begin talking to friends and assemble a support group that you can count on for respite and emergencies.
None of us want to admit that our parents and relatives are unable to take care of themselves. We see them as matriarchs and patriarchs that are strong and self sufficient. We ignore the signs of dementia and dismiss them as normal signs of aging. Nevertheless, if they live long enough, we will be faced with caregiving.
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