Thank You Caregiver!

This month, thanks to November being National Caregiving Month, we are all made more aware of the effort family caregivers give to take care of loved ones. They go above and beyond by giving approximately $450 billion worth of uncompensated care across the globe annually, according to LiftCaregiving.com.

I was surprised to learn that in the United States alone 29% of the adult population - about 65.7 million people - serve as caregivers. This number reflects those who not only care for the elderly but also for caregivers responding to disabled or ill people.
Most of them are women and the age range is basically ages 18 to 49.

There is no doubt that caregivers save lives. They also can even the toughest times for their loved one easier. They give day in and day out, without any regard really for a month set aside to honor them.

Even so, they should be honored. Here are some ways to do that:

-If you are a caregiver, treat yourself to a new book, a special cup of coffee or tea and lunch or something that reminds you that you are doing great work.

-Send a card to show your appreciation of these caregivers.

-Attend a local town meeting ad promote legislation that will businesses develop a more family-friendly caregiving policy. Fight for the good caregivers, and make sure that these caregiver’s actions are recognized on a local level. Try and make moves to insure that other caregivers will be held to the same standards.

-If you belong to a group of caregivers, host a get-together to celebrate your hard work.

At one time or other we all rely upon others for assistance. Caregivers, in particular, are often the first line of defense for those who cannot help themselves. Let’s remember to celebrate all they do.