NEKCOA Celebrates November as National Family Caregivers Month

A Message from Meg Burmeister, Executive Director of the NEKCOA

As we enter November, our thoughts migrate towards the end of the year. Thanksgiving is upon us, and family and friends are reflecting upon everything that occurred during 2020--a challenging year for many families in our community, state, nation, and throughout the world. It is a time to give thanks, for health, for peace, and for those we care for.

November is National Family Caregivers Month. Because of the essential role they play in ensuring the health and wellbeing of those most in need, family caregivers deserve our unending support. This silent majority consists of those caring for loved ones needing support to maintain their sense of dignity and quality of life.

We honor the immense support required by caregivers to ensure the safety and security of those they are assisting. For many, the process starts with a simple act of caring. A loved one, friend, or neighbor is struggling in some way and they cannot manage daily life alone.

We often think of caregiving in the context of dementia and Alzheimer’s care. But caregiving takes on many differing roles. At the NEK Council on Aging, like our sister agencies around the state, we work to support the journey of hundreds of families managing this deeply personal commitment. We support spouses, grandparents, family members, and neighbors for short-term or long-term support.

For some caregivers, the support may be a respite grant to offer time away for a mental and physical reprieve, a one-on-one meeting to talk to someone who can lend a supportive ear, developing long-term plans for care support, or attending monthly support groups to be with others who share the same experience either as caregivers or grandparents raising children.

Many caregivers work a full-time job in addition to caregiving, experiencing conflicts between competing responsibilities. Research shows that caregiving exacts a significant emotional, physical, and financial toll. With nearly half of all caregivers older than age 50, many are vulnerable to a decline in their own health. Studies have shown 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. And for many, the desire to remain in their own homes surrounded by the familiar sights and sounds of the comforts of home is especially important.

If you know of someone caring for another, please let them know we are here to provide support as they navigate the journey of care for their friend or loved one. Just call our helpline (800) 642-5119 or review the caregiving section on our website.