November is National Family Caregivers Month — the perfect time to acknowledge and celebrate the 40 million unpaid caregivers in the United States.
Surprisingly most caregivers — those who attend to someone else’s daily needs — are not paid professionals but are simply family members or friends who are also working and managing their own families at the same time. For many, the caregiving role starts with simple things like scheduling a doctor’s visit or helping with daily errands, but gradually expands over time, until it becomes a major commitment in their lives.
These caregivers admit their lives have changed with this new role, often for the worse. One in five say they are unhappier and one in three say they feel sad or depressed. That’s why AARP has created a community where caregivers can connect with experts and other caregivers and find information and tools.
This month, the Ad Council and AARP are kicking off a fantastic Random Acts of Kindness for Caregivers campaign, designed to show caregivers they’re valued and appreciated.
Getting involved couldn’t be simpler. All you really have to do is identify a caregiver in your life and do something nice for them.
My husband, Michael, is a volunteer hospice worker at LightBridge Hospice & Palliative Care in San Diego — and it’s one of the most rewarding things he’s ever done. He genuinely loves helping his patients at this crucial time, and I’m so proud of him every time I hear one of their family members tell him how much his care has meant to them.
LightBridge acknowledges its volunteers regularly and when Michael received that letter and certificate from President Obama, above, he was really touched by it.
Honestly, it takes so little to make a caregiver feel appreciated, and AARP offers easy suggestions for random of acts of kindness.
Plus, if you share your story and a photo, you’ll be entered to win a cash prize. Check out AARP’s Caregiver Kindness website for more information and to submit your story.
I hope you’ll take a minute to help spread the news about this important initiative by Tweeting this:
[Tweet “Treat #caregivers to #RandomActsofKindness! #BeKindtoCaregivers http://bit.ly/1Gi93EO @AARP”]
Let’s make sure we care for our caregivers!
This is a sponsored post on behalf of Element Associates and Midlife Boulevard.
I think this is a fantastic idea. Caregivers give so much to the people who need it most. They deserve to be recognized and cherished.
I’ve known caregivers that take care of family members and it’s a full time job and quite often they have no one they can lean on. I cannot imagine.
Caregivers get overlooked so often. I love this campaign!!
I agree, they do so much and noticed so little. Great way to acknowledge them!
Few things are more satisfying than doing something nice for a caregiver. Truly, our unsung heroes.
They absolutely are. It’s a tough job!
Wonderful piece about people who quietly give so much. As a woman once said to me with her heart helping me: If you are feeling sad, go out and help someone else.
This is a terrific idea and this is the second post I’ve read about it, so clearly the word is spreading. We see a number of caregivers at the library where I work, many of whom come in often to check out books or DVDs for the folks they are taking care of, or who accompany people who couldn’t get to the library without assistance.
It is so great that AARP is doing this. I can’t say enough about the volunteer hospice workers that help with my grandma. I don’t know what we would have done without them.
What a fantastic idea, it is a shame that caregivers are so looked over, they are such amazing people.
I had no idea it was caregiver month. Caregiving can be very stressful so I’m sure any caregiver would appreciate support and random acts of kindness.
I love this. I had never heard of it but caregivers certainly deserve the recognition and support.
I totally agree that these individuals are being over looked.
My mom spent months taking care of my nana before she passed and it was hard work! But what a special gift for your loved one to be there when they need it the most.
This is awesome. Caregivers do so much behind the scenes. They definitely deserve our appreciation.
Fabulous campaign by a great organization. Thanks for the information Lois.
Kimberly XO
What a great way to show a caregiver appreciation! I am sure many feel unappreciated, they do so much!
Caregivers so deserve this recognition. I am glad to see that AARP has initiated this campaign. And as always I thank your amazing husband for the work he does. He has truly made a difference in so many lives.
Great idea for a great cause. Glad that Midlife Blvd. is a sponsor.
I think this is wonderful! I saw my mother struggle terribly when she provided home hospice care to my grandfather. It can be so draining. I’m sure an act of kindness would go far in supporting them.
🙂
Traci
Caregivers faithfully give love and support. It is a good thing that we take the time to recognize them.
This is a great idea. Caregivers don’t get enough credit, that is for sure!
It is so great that AARP is doing this. I can’t say enough about the volunteer hospice workers in our town! I don’t know what they would do without their help! I need to find some time to volunteer!
LOVE THIS! I know a few caregivers that deserve some Random Acts of Kindness.
I had no idea that November was considered National Caregivers month! It can be such a thankless and overwhelming responsibility, but is such a precious gift to give too.
Being a caregiver is so difficult. I think it is very nice that AARP is sponsoring this event.
I helped to take care of my in laws when they became ill and it is always wonderful to see caregivers being recognized.
Being a caregiver of any kind is such a tough job! Those who are doing it for a family member are often overlooked and I’m sure appreciate being noticed for the hard work.
It is so wonderful that your husband is a volunteer hospice worker and he is truly a blessing to all those he is helping.
I know a few people who are caregivers. It’s not easy to be one; they deserve to be recognized.
Caregivers who actually like what they’re doing are very rare. I think it’s wonderful when people reach out and give.
What a great to celebrate those who take the time to care for others. I was so grateful for all my caregivers when I was in my coma and for many moths that follow. They are true angels.
What a sweet idea. Caregivers are like family.
I didn’t even know there was a caregivers month. I think we should celebrate every month with acts of kindness if you ask me and not just now.
What a great idea to show them you appreciate all they do! I’m sure they love it.
Caregivers are our very own angels on Earth.
I love this. So many caregivers are often overlooked and forgotten. So this is so awesome.
This is so wonderful. Caregivers need care too. They have a tough job!
I think this program is super important for care givers. They do so much, often above and beyond the call of duty.
Tweeted again… and just got my fabulous box of books… I love them all!
I dont think there are enough ways in the world to thank those that put others befpre themselves. I love this initiative.
I was a caregiver of a mother with dementia for seven years. it was the most painful, loneliest experience of my life. Friends and family members never offered to help. No one asked what I needed or wanted. If you know any caregivers, do an act of kindness. Leave a homebaked pie or cake at the their door. Treat them to a movie. Or just let them vent on the phone. It’s the little things that count.
This is a great idea. There are so many little things you can do for a caregiver that would actually change their day for the better.
This is a super initiative. I sent my sister-in-law a care package last week in thanks for all the time she spends ensuring my MIL is doing okay in the nearby nursing home. What in the world would we do without those who give and care and love as the caregivers do?
Great Campaign. I never know we have a special month for Caregivers, but this is a wonderful way to honor them. And I love that AARP has stepped in to create a community for them to get connected with experts and fellow caregivers.
Fantastic job, Lois! Much love and respect to Michael for what he does.