By Tim Wholf

November is a time to show support and to honor our nation’s vital caregivers during National Family Caregivers Month. It offers an opportunity to raise awareness of caregiving issues, educate communities and increase support for caregivers.

President Bill Clinton signed the first NFC Month Presidential Proclamation in 1997 and every president since has followed suit by issuing an annual proclamation recognizing and honoring family caregivers.

Families are often the primary source of support for older adults and people with disabilities in the nation. More than 53 million family caregivers in America provide unpaid care. That’s an economic value totaling more than $470 billion.

Caring for older adults often requires around the clock dedication, organization, responsibility, scheduling and hands-on care.

Many caregivers work and provide care, experiencing conflicts between competing responsibilities. Research indicates caregiving takes a significant emotional, physical and financial toll. With nearly half of all caregivers 50 years old or older, many are vulnerable to a decline in their own health. Studies show that coordinated support services can reduce caregiver depression, anxiety and stress, and enable them to provide care longer, which avoids or delays the need for costly institutional care.

Everyone’s experience with caregiving is unique, whether you’re the one caring for a loved one, or you’re on the receiving end. Often it also means caregiving around the clock; working tirelessly to keep older loved ones in their homes for as long as possible and missed sleep because of hands-on care. We celebrate the people who lovingly give baths, clean houses, shop for and comfort the millions of elderly and ill people who are friends and loved ones.

One out of every four caregivers report diminished family relationships because of caregiving a loved one. Most caregivers work outside the home either part- or full-time in addition to their caregiving responsibilities. Caregiving while still holding down an outside job is exhausting; and is often unpaid. In addition to working adults, over a million American young people, aged 8 to 18, care for an adult relative daily. Furthermore, it’s hard to do self-care. Nearly 70% of caregivers report they don’t see their doctor regularly because of their responsibilities.

National Family Caregivers Month features lots of vital information to help caregivers cope with a tough, and sometimes thankless job. There are tips for caregivers such as:

• Taking care of your own health.
• Accepting offers of help from others, learning the skills to speak effectively with doctors.
• Being open to new, assistive technologies that can lighten your load.

If you don’t take care of yourself, who will?

It’s important for caregivers to take care of their own mental health. Watching someone change drastically due to illness can be devastating. Take some time to monitor your own wellbeing. If you are not sleeping well, exercising, or feel yourself becoming reclusive, speak to a professional about depression. It can hit anyone at any time.

There’s no shame in feeling overwhelmed. Downloading the Circle of Care Mental Health Toolkit can be a great resource. Sponsored by the National Alliance for Caregiving, the toolkit covers numerous topics to assist caregivers. This month, the resources you need are just a click away.

The Johnson County Area Agency on Aging is a great, local resource for caregivers as they receive funds from the Older Americans Act to provide Family Caregiver Support. Caregivers can call 913-715-8861 to speak with one of AAA’s information specialists to discuss options available to them.

If you need additional resources or support, visit the National Council on Aging, Caregiver Action Network, The National Alliance for Caregiving, Share the Care, Mental Health America or AARP.

Tim Wholf is director of the Johnson County Department of Aging and Human Services.