It’s National Family Caregiver Month!
Dear Caregivers,
Congratulations ― and thank you so much! First, congratulations on being recognized by our nation as part of the National Family Caregivers Month. As the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website states, “Celebrated every November, National Family Caregivers Month (NFCM) is a time to recognize and honor family caregivers across the country. It offers an opportunity to raise awareness of caregiving issues, educate communities, and increase support for caregivers.”
In keeping with that sentiment, all of us here at NAN want to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to you, for all you do. Of course, your work, and our thanks, extends far beyond the month of November. But we do want to take this time to re-pledge our commitment to support, advise, and help you in any way we can. We are your dedicated partners in this journey, and we want you to be secure in the knowledge that we’re here for you, whenever you need us.
Here are some ways you can embrace your role as a family caregiver.
I'm a Family Caregiver. Now What?
Many caregivers are thrust into their role suddenly, and their reaction to this stressful situation is likely to be a wave of powerful emotions followed by the question, “Now, what do I do?” No matter what illness you and your loved one are facing, planning ahead can increase your knowledge and understanding, and will often allow for a wider range of care options and provide an overall peace of mind for everyone. Click here to learn more about taking the next steps as a Caregiver.
Caregivers' Lessons to Live By:
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s can be a deeply rewarding experience, but it also can be extremely frustrating at times. The key to staying calm during these stressful times is understanding that your caregiving role in this effort is to be a partner, not a judge, as you and your loved one cope with this disease. Here are the “10 Commandments of Caregiving” ― important lessons to live by in your caregiving efforts.
Find the Joy in Your Caregiving Role:
The challenge that family caregivers face is to learn acceptance, to live in the present moment, and to let go of things you cannot control. This is a challenge to be sure, but if there can be any joy in caregiving, this is where it is. Here’s how to find that joy.
Remember, if you can’t find the information you need on our website, you can always “Ask NAN” by clicking on this link.
Best,
Rosemary D Laird, MD, MHSA
Founder and Chief Medical Officer
“If nature has made you for a giver, your hands are born open and so is your heart; and though there may be times when your hands are empty, your heart is always full.”
— Frances Hodgson Burnett
