November is National Family Caregivers' Month-a time to focus attention on the many challenges that family caregivers face each day. The AARP recently conducted the Family Caregiving Survey with 1,081 caregivers and 479 care recipients (Skufca, 2017) to examine the emotions they experienced as well as how their relationships may have changed as a result of caregiving. The findings were:
* 40% said they were not prepared to take on the role of family caregiver.
* 91% were pleased they were able to help.
* 51% were stressed or worried and 40% were overwhelmed.
* 54% said they experienced unexpected joy in caregiving.
* 24% said they had regrets (wished they had spent more time and been more compassionate, been better prepared financially and emotionally; wished they had done things differently).
A survey conducted in Southeastern Pennsylvania by coauthor Rems while in graduate school invited caregivers to share the impact and responsibilities they experienced in their daily routine. The questionnaires were distributed by faith community nurses who interacted with these caregivers. A total of 200 questionnaires were distributed. Of the 55 questionnaires that were returned:
* Almost half of the respondents were middle-aged and primary caregivers for parents or older relatives. They continued to work at least part-time outside the home.
* Just under half cared for their spouse or sibling.
* A few were primary caregivers for their child or young adult.
* Caregivers experienced increased everyday stressors while trying to maintain their responsibilities in the workforce, additional financial burdens, and changes in family dynamics.
Caregivers were invited to share ideas they found helpful. The tip that was offered by the majority of caregivers was: Make time for pleasurable activities for yourself, even if it is for 5 minutes. This is essential to your well-being and of those around you! Several of the other 32 tips offered are:
* Try to keep a routine for meals and bedtime.
* Keep a telephone list with enlarged print by the phone.
* Call a family meeting so everyone understands the plan of care.
* Ask friends and family for help. They may be willing to help but afraid to ask.
* Don't be critical of others who help. They don't do it as well as you do, but they try.
* Try not to take on responsibilities that the care recipient can handle for themselves.
* Remember, you are doing the best you can for the person you love!
* When family and friends ask how they can help, accept their offers and make them feel useful and ease the burden of too much to do and so little time.
The results are a reminder that most caregivers truly loved being a caregiver and want the best for those who receive care. Each of us has the opportunity to recognize, celebrate, and support the valuable role of caregivers in November and throughout the year. Support can include: offering tangible help, sending a card, preparing a meal, making a phone call, prayers, or a secret act of kindness.
REFERENCE
Skufca L. (2017). AARP Family caregiving survey. Retrieved from https://www.aarp.org/research/topics/care/info-2017/family-caregiving-changing-r[Context Link]
RESOURCES
Mace N., Rabins P. (1999). The 36-Hour Day. Baltimore, MD: The Johns Hopkins University Press.
Marrelli T. (2017). A Guide for Caregiving: What's Next? Venice, FL: Innovative Caregiving Solutions, LLC. National Family Caregivers Association.org