A big big thank you!
Mon Petit Coeur (MPC) is proud to recognize November as National Family Caregivers Month—a time to celebrate the contributions of caregivers and provide them with the tools that they need. Unpaid care provided by family caregivers makes up 90 percent of long-term care in America. Love is powerful, but caregiving is tough. In fact, it might be one of the most difficult healthcare roles of all. If you are a caregiver for an elderly, a doula, or a disabled relative, know that you are not alone.
The Impact of Caregiving
Giving care to an elderly parent, pregnant woman, or child with special needs may be both rewarding and extremely stressful. Since most care takes place in the home, caregivers often feel isolated, lonely, and unappreciated. The essential responsibilities of managing prescriptions, scheduling doctor visits, making meals, and keeping your loved one active can be incredibly hard for a caregiver to handle.
According to the Caregiver Action Network, one in five caregivers confess they have compromised their physical health in order to care for a loved one. Due to stress, Family caregivers experience a disproportionate number of physical and psychological issues. They are twice as likely to suffer depression and are at increased risk for many other chronic conditions, including:
● Sleep deprivation
● Poor eating habits
● Lack of exercise
● Failure to rest when sick
● Not making medical appointments for themselves
Take Care to Give Care
Self-care is critical to providing care. Caregivers often step into the role assuming it will be temporary, but as a loved one’s condition gets worse — or other family members fail to step in and help — caregiving can become an ongoing job. It is critical to establish strong boundaries, healthy habits, and rules for self-care in order to stay healthy — and sane!
How You Can Help Support National Caregivers Month
The theme for this year’s National Caregivers Month is “#CaregiverAnd” to highlight caregivers’ individuality and help them focus on their self-identity and unique passions that enrich their own lives. Often, a role as a caregiver can overshadow an individual’s own needs, and this campaign seeks to raise awareness about the importance of self-care for all caregivers. In November, we are offering 70% off bunting, pants, and jackets. We are suggesting these as Leaving the Hospital ensemble.
If you are a caregiver, lend your voice to this effort and share your story to help other caregivers feel less alone. Provide advice and tips for ways you manage your own self-care. Share our blog on social media (using the #CaregiverAnd hashtag) and within your community to help everyone understand more about the importance of caregiving and the way they can support.
