National Family Caregivers Month 2022: Creating A Powerful Support System
Family caregivers play a vital role in the overall health, wellness, and independence of those living with disabilities. Whether a family member or friend, the love and dedication family caregivers provide is essential to helping those within their care live a happier, more fulfilling life.
The month of November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to honor and acknowledge the incredible role that family caregivers fulfill.
This month, ENEMEEZ® is celebrating family caregivers by taking a look at the history of National Family Caregivers Month, as well as discussing the many challenges caregivers face and where they can find a powerful and uplifting support system, especially during the holidays.
The History of National Family Caregivers Month
A Family caregiver, also referred to as an informal caregiver, is an individual who provides a disabled friend or family member with assistance in their daily living activities, such as medication management, bathing and dressing, meal preparation, transportation and even bowel care management.
Caregivers play a vital role in maintaining the overall health, wellness and independence of those within their care - which comes with a great deal of personal sacrifice.
The month of November was specifically chosen to honor caregivers for these sacrifices and the unwavering support they provide for their loved ones in all seasons, especially during the holiday season.
National Family Caregivers Month originally began as ‘National Family Caregivers Week’ in 1986 when President Ronald Reagan signed the first proclamation celebrating family caregivers across the United States for their selflessness and dedication to caring for their loved one.
From 1989 to 2009, the standing president followed suit by signing an annual proclamation acknowledging the week-long celebration and recognition of family caregivers. In 2010, President Barack Obama’s annual proclamation expanded the celebration to take place throughout the entire month of November – thus the beginning of what we now know as ‘National Family Caregivers Month’.
Family Caregivers Face Many Challenges During the Holidays
While caregiving can be highly rewarding and bring a sense of satisfaction and purpose, it is important to understand and recognize the mental, emotional, and physical toll caregiving brings as well. In addition to wellness issues, caregiving can bring social and economic stressors to the caregiver’s life.
The holidays can be an especially challenging time for caregivers. Between caring for their loved ones with disabilities, traveling or hosting family and friends, and the financial stress of gift giving – it can be easy for caregivers to feel overwhelmed, and oftentimes isolated.
National Family Caregivers Month strives to bring awareness to the needs of caregivers and stimulate changes to the support systems provided to them. The goal of this is to ensure that caregivers have the resources, education, and information they need to minimize the stress of caregiving throughout the holiday season and the year to come.
Finding Family Caregiver Support During the Holiday Season
Encouraging caregivers to connect with others in their local communities who share similar caregiving responsibilities can provide both emotional support, as well as an outlet to share thoughts and feelings with those who can relate.
Support for the SCI Community of Caregivers
The Thrive Community Facebook Group, powered by ENEMEEZⓇ, is a wonderful resource to help caregivers meet others in their local SCI community and begin making these valuable connections.
The Thrive Community is an ever-growing, private space for any person with a disability, as well as caregivers and healthcare providers that touch their lives. The sole purpose of the Thrive Community is to provide a safe, educational space for group members to ask every question, connect with their peers, and empower each other through communication and connection.
For more enlightening resources, information, and discussion, join the ENEMEEZ® Thrive Community today!
Raising Awareness for National Family Caregivers Month 2022
The theme for 2022’s National Caregivers Month is #CaregivingHappens, to raise awareness of the role of a family caregiver. The goal is to help people realize that you may be running late because you’re picking up your loved one from their physical therapy appointment or to help your friend understand that you’re not avoiding them, you’re caring for your mom with Alzheimer’s.
The Caregiver Action Network provides many useful resources, tools, and supports, including:
When #CaregivingHappens, it’s not always convenient or expected. If you are a caregiver, lend your voice to this effort and share your story to help other caregivers feel less alone using this hashtag as well as #NationalCareGiversMonth2022.
Disclaimer: The material contained is for reference purposes only. Quest Products, LLC does not assume responsibility for patient care. Consult a physician prior to use. Copyright 2021 Quest Products, LLC.
Sources:
https://www.reaganlibrary.gov/archives/speech/proclamation-5578-national-family-caregivers-week-1986
