Just last month, our nation recognized November as National Family Caregivers Month (NFCM) in honor of all of the caregivers across the country! Since 1997, NFCM raises awareness of family caregiver issues and celebrates the incredible work that caregivers provide to our citizens each day. Most family members will become a caregiver at some point in their life, whether to provide care for a sick or disabled child, elderly parent, or other family member. The role of a caregiver is too often taken for granted, and many caregivers receive little recognition or thanks. As many of the clients which we serve are disabled or elderly, we witness the dedication and loving care that families provide to their loved ones on a daily basis. Family members who provide caregiving services are often not paid to provide this service and do it out of love. And without family caregivers, many sick, disabled or elderly persons would not be able to stay in their own homes, and would need to live in residential facilities, whether temporarily or permanently.
The role of a caregiver can be overwhelming, stressful, and can be a full-time job. Caregivers often provide meals, run errands such as grocery shopping, maintain and give medications, help with personal care, schedule and attend medical appointments, or provide transportation to and from various appointments. Some caregivers also handle financial matters and pay bills or help apply for or maintain necessary public benefits or services. And although the role of a caregiver can be a full-time job, many caregivers maintain a full-time job in addition to their job as caregiver. Caregivers are often exhausted and don’t take time to recharge or pamper themselves out of guilt or because they are the only person caring for their family member, and they aren’t able to take “time off” to do things that they enjoy or just take a break for a few hours. But it is essential for caregivers to take time to rest, so that they don’t suffer burnout or become ill. Other family members can help a primary caregiver by offering to assist with caretaking duties or take over caregiving for a few days or longer, so that the primary caregiver can take time away or go on a much-needed vacation. And sometimes just a “thank you” can lift the spirits and remind a caregiver that they are appreciated.
Although the month of November has come to an end, we do not need a particular month to recognize and acknowledge the caregivers in our lives, as they are caregivers every month of the year and not just during November. But dedicating the month of November as National Caregiver Month can help promote awareness and gratitude for the role of caregivers all over the world and remind us to thank them.
From everyone here at McAndrews, Mehalick, Connolly, Hulse and Ryan P.C., we extend a big THANK YOU to all of the wonderful caregivers!
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We are a nationally recognized firm that provides families of Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, Maryland, the Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Area, and New Jersey with exceptional legal representation in Special Education, Estate Planning, Abuse of Vulnerable Citizens, and Title IX matters including the representation of individuals involved in higher education allegations of misconduct. |
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