50+ Lifestyles

November is National Family Caregiver Month

By Chris White
Marketing and PR Coordinator
Milestone’s Area Agency on Aging

November is Caregiver Month, and caregiving can be a very difficult job. You might just be one and not even realize it. Most people don’t go around calling themselves “caregivers” – they’re just the wife, husband, friend, son, daughter, brother, sister, or grandchild. But what constitutes being a “caregiver”? Here are some examples of what caregiving may include:

• You stop by once a week to pay your dad’s bills and take him grocery shopping
• You call your friend or neighbor a few times a day to check on her and make sure she’s safe
• You work and take care of your live-in mother
• Your wife has Alzheimer’s and needs constant care, so you provide it
• You miss work or re-arrange your schedule to take others to appointments

Does any of this sound familiar? Then you’re a caregiver, and caregiving can be quite a balancing act, especially if you’re employed, have other responsibilities, or have health problems of your own. 52 million people are caring for loved ones, juggling work and family along with caregiving responsibilities. Caregiving can be very demanding and stressful. Caregivers often underestimate the time required for caregiving and the impact on their work and family obligations. It is important to get the help that you need. Milestones Family Caregiver Specialists understand the demands of caregiving and work to help caregivers explore options to lessen the caregiving burden via phone calls or in-person meetings. These millions of caregivers in the United States all have their own unique caregiving needs.

Caregiving can impact your health and well-being. Be sure to take well-deserved breaks, be open to new ideas, accept help when it is offered, educate yourself about family caregiving options, and attend a support group with people who are going through some of the same challenges that you are.

Caregiving is an important service you may be providing, but you may need help or advice. The good news is Milestones is here to support you. Our Family Caregiver Specialists can help with:

• Information assistance and Referrals
• Resources for now and help planning for the future
• Individual or family consultations
• Support groups
• Educational workshops
• Options for respite care

Caregiving decisions are easier when you are well informed. We can guide you through the maze of caregiving issues, information and resources. Call a Milestones Family Caregiver Specialist today at 855-410-6222 or visit www.milestonesaaa.org for more information.

Chris White is Marketing and PR Coordinator at Milestones Area Agency on Aging. He can be reached at (563) 484-3147 or at cwhite@milestones aaa.org.