National Family Caregivers Month, observed each November, is the officially designated time for honoring our nation’s family caregivers. The theme for this year’s special month is “Caregiving Around the Clock.”
Caregiver Action Network (CAN), the founder of National Family Caregivers Month, reminds us that caregiving often is a 24-hours a day/ 7-days a week job. CAN recognizes the challenges family caregivers face when their loved ones need caregiving around the clock:
Morning: Getting off to work. The average family caregiver is a working mother with school aged children. Mornings become a tricky balancing act of getting the kids ready for school, making sure your loved one has what they need for the day, and getting yourself off to work.
All Day Long: Managing medications. Up to 70% of the time, the family caregiver—not the patient—manages the medications. This means ensuring that your loved takes their medications correctly throughout the day.
During the Workday: Juggling Caregiving and Work. Six out of 10 family caregivers work full- or part-time in addition to juggling their caregiving responsibilities at home. Many have to cut back on work hours, take a leave of absence, or quit their job entirely.
Evening: Family time and meal time. Ensuring that you get proper nutrition will help you maintain strength, energy, stamina, and a positive attitude. It’s as important for you and your whole family as it is for your loved one.
Late at Night: Taking time for yourself. The end of the day may be the only time you get a few minutes to yourself. Make sure you take time to rest and recharge before tomorrow’s challenges begin.
The Middle of the Night: Emergency room visits. Have you ever had to take your loved one to the ER in the middle of the night? Be prepared ahead of time with what you need to know and what you need to have with you.
Yes, caregiving can be a full-time-plus job, and we honor the dedicated caregivers who do their best to manage the many demands on their time.
~ Emily Cooper, Information and Referral Specialist for Caregiver Programs with Boulder County Area Agency on Aging, a Division of Community Services. For more information on BCAAA caregiver services, call 303-678-6116 or email InfoCaregiver@bouldercounty.org.