National Family Caregivers Month honors unpaid caregivers
This article was written for our sponsor, AARP North Carolina
November is National Family Caregivers month. It is a time to pay tribute to the sacrifices of the nearly 2 million North Carolinians who provide care to a family member or loved one. The theme this year is Caregiving Happens, in recognition that caregiving sometimes does just ‘happen.’ Whether it is a planned-for next step, or an all-consuming twist of fate, caregiving happens.
"These are the folks who step into that role," said Heather Black, vice president at United Way of North Carolina. "They’re not a paid caregiver at a facility or at a hospital. These are people who are in the home and are taking care of a loved one in addition to all the other things that they do."
Caregivers are sometimes thrust into their role at a moment’s notice and must suddenly adjust or rearrange their lives to take care of their loved ones, according to the AARP Caregivers Resource Center.
"They often put their own lives on the back burner and focus on their loved one and put the priorities of their loved one first," said Heather Burkhardt, executive director of the NC Coalition on Aging. "They will often have to change their own schedules to adapt to their needs; sometimes it takes a toll on spouses and children as they prioritize their loved one."
Services for caregivers
Many services are available to help lighten caregivers’ loads. United Way and the AARP have combined efforts for the 211 Network, which caregivers can call anytime to get information about community resources.
"When you call 211, we can connect you to Health and Human Services resources or to community resources," said Black. "We also have a navigator. Their whole role is to get to know you as a caregiver and then keep checking in with you."
One invaluable resource is respite care. Caregivers can get a voucher for a paid direct-care worker to come in to relieve them.
"During that time, it’s not to go run a bunch of errands to pick up things that you need for the person you care for; it’s not a time to catch up on all the financial paperwork," said Black. "It’s that time to go see a movie, or go get a pedicure, or go get your hair done — do something for you that you are not doing now, that you used to do," she said. "Whatever the things are that brought you joy that you’ve now sacrificed, those are the things that you need to find a way to do."
Thanks to the funding from the AARP, operators at United Way can take more time with callers, going beyond directing them to resources through AARP Caregivers Resource Center. They can ask how they are doing and help them find resources that fit their needs.
"We’ve had a few say how nice it is to have someone call and ask how they’re doing," said Black. "It's unique for us to have the resources to be able to do that. I just can’t emphasize enough how grateful we are to AARP for giving us the ability to have staff dedicated to reaching out to and checking in on these caregivers."
Resources available to make the caregiving journey more manageable range from meal delivery services and support groups to adult day care services and beyond.
"There are also programs like Meals on Wheels; transportation programs; home modification programs to make living in your home safer, often by putting up grab bars and rethinking bathrooms, maybe installing a ramp," said Burkhardt.
You can help caregivers, too
While many resources are available for caregivers, you as a friend, neighbor or community member can also lighten their load. Offering to run an errand, mow the lawn or just lend an ear can do wonders to lift their spirits, said Black.
"The research really indicates that caregiving does take a significant emotional, physical and financial toll on caregivers," said Burkhardt. "Lifting caregivers up and centering them, it’s really important for them to know that they are not isolated and alone and letting them know that there are a myriad of services and programs to help engage and support caregivers throughout the entire year wherever they are on their caregiving journey."
This article was written for our sponsor, AARP North Carolina
