National Family Caregivers Month - Supporting Caregivers

November is National Family Caregivers Month, highlighting family caregivers and honoring them while educating communities about what it means to be a family caregiver.

​Family caregivers are relatives, friends, or even neighbors that provide a broad range of care and assistance to a loved one as needed in their daily lives. Family caregivers need just as much support as the loved one they care for. Being a family caregiver is a job that earns no salary and receives no days off, as it is an around the clock job. 

​Being a family caregiver can take an emotional, physical, and financial toll on a person. Providing support to a caregiver in your life can ease the stress and let them know their hard work is recognized and appreciated. We’ve gathered a few ways to show your appreciation and support to a caregiver in your life.

Help out

Offer to run errands such as grocery shopping or picking up medications or offer to do some chores like cleaning or cooking a meal. 

Be there

​The simplest way to support the family caregiver in your life is to offer to be there as emotional and social support. Giving them someone to talk to, whether as a basic social visit or as emotional support, can be an incredibly helpful tool for emotional wellness.

Give them a day off

This one is definitely easier said than done. If you have the capability to do so though, the experience can be highly rewarding for both you and the family caregiver you wish to support.

​So long as you are knowledgeable about the needs and challenges of caring for your loved one, offer to take on the responsibility for a day or more. Allowing the caregiver a break from the constant stress and responsibility not only gives them time to reset and relax, but it also gives you a glimpse at what it takes to be a full time family caregiver. 

​Melody Living Lake in the Hills’ monthly Family Support Group seeks to aid family caregivers along with loved ones in long-term care through education, discussion, and support.

​Being able to share and discuss challenges with fellow caregivers or loved ones of those in memory care and assisted living can be therapeutic to know that you are not alone. Being able to lend support to and receive advice from those in similar positions, and creating a support network has proven to increase quality of life for caregivers and loved ones alike.
 
RSVP by Nov. 12th for our Nov. 16th support group by calling us at 847.957.7070. This group is meant to serve as a safe place to meet with others, like you, looking for an outlet to discuss ideas, daily struggles, coping techniques, interactions, and experiences. Learn more about our assisted living and memory care community by visiting our contact page to schedule a tour today.