Its Time to Be Kind to Family Caregivers

November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to be especially kind to

those who care for aging family members. Many of those who are family
caregivers are boomer women, sandwiched between the needs of their parents
and their kids. They give, give, give to loved ones, while often sacrificing their own
needs.

The Life of a Family Caregiver

Im familiar with the life of a family caregiver. I was a caregiver to my late husband
during his illness. For many months, I visited him in the hospital each evening,
driving a long distance after a full day of work, then home to make dinner for my
son, leaving little time to rest. Then Id start the routine all over again.

Shortly after my husband died, my sister N and I became more active caregivers to
my mom. We were grateful that mom lived on her own for most of her senior
years. When she became ill at 89, we had to give care from afar because mom
lived in Florida and N and I lived in the northeast, and that became quite difficult.

We decided it was best for mom to move into an assisted living environment
where she would have the ongoing care she needed. As devoted daughters,
moving my mom was a tough decision. We were glad mom thrived in her new
home. She died in her early 90s.

My sister N and I were caregivers to my mom until she passed away a few years
ago.

Being a family caregiver is a major commitment. Many of my friends who have

aging parents tell me of their challenges: when their dad falls and breaks an ankle
or hip, when their mom forgets to take her medicine due to Alzheimers or some
other form of dementia, when they have to play the parent to their parents and
take away driving privileges. So many What should I do? issues pile on family
caregivers that their shoulders get weighed down.
How Can You Help?

The Ad Council and AARP have kicked off a program this month that is designed to
encourage all Americans to perform a random act of kindness for a caregiver.
This nationwide movement is an effort to raise awareness of caregiving while also
reaching caregivers directly, rewarding them for their ongoing support.

The goal is simple: Identify someone in your life or in your community who is
serving as a caregiver and do something nice for them. It doesnt have to be
complicated or expensive, just a small gesture that makes a caregivers life a little
easier.

For example, last month I invited my friend A to dinner. She works full-time at a
demanding job and also cares for her aging dad. I treated her to a relaxing yoga
session and reminded her that this evening was totally for her. She greatly
appreciated the break.Simply submit a summary of 150 words or fewer telling
how you made a caregiver feel special, along with a photo. All participants will be
entered to win a cash prize from a $10,000 pot.

More Resources for Caregivers

AARP provides a tremendous number of online resources for family caregivers at

its Caregiving Resource Center.

Forty million heroes are caregivers all hours of the day and night to their loved
ones. Its a crisis that is only going to grow larger as the baby boomer generation
grows older. Reach out and show some kindness to a caregiver. Even just listening
to their stories can make a difference.

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