Did you know that November is National Family Caregiver (NFC) Month? According to caregiveraction.org, “President Clinton signed the first NFC Month Presidential Proclamation in 1997 and every president since has followed suit by issuing an annual proclamation recognizing and honoring family caregivers each November.”
Family Caregivers are an important pillar of our society and most go unnoticed. They could be your coworker, your boss, your cashier at the grocery store, etc. They support their loved ones and care for their every need on top of their own. It’s not an easy title to hold. This November let’s celebrate along with Caregiver Action Network the family caregivers of our lives and those around us.
Based on the core mission of the RAISE Act and Family Caregiving Advisory Council, We can celebrate National Family Caregiver Month in four ways:
Are you a family caregiver or is someone you know holding the title of family caregiver? Most balance their own lives on top of supporting their loved one at home and don’t tend to mention it to others. According to the Administration for Community Living, caring for others takes a significant emotional, physical, and financial toll, and many of those caring for others are over the age of 50 and often have declines in their own health.
Click here to read all about the nonprofit that started National Family Caregivers Month and the amazing work that they do. #NFCMonth #FamilyCaregiver
This November, start the conversation and shed a light on how difficult caring for others is and what it means to you. You never know, your neighbor might be experiencing a similar situation.
Click here to read how other caregivers are coping with the challenges of caring for a family member, and share your own story.
Did you know there are many different programs available to family caregivers to support their efforts in providing and supporting their loved ones? The National Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Family Support is one of many. They offer the following support on their website:
Network of professionals focused on family caregivers
Creating a family caregiver community
Finding answers, filling gaps, and changing the way systems work
Seeing how research and policy together promote change
Click here to discover more amazing organizations supporting Family Caregivers.
It all starts with a conversation. Find out who in your community is a family caregiver and see how you can support them. Continue the celebration of NFC Month even after November and get involved in an organization near you. Who knows, you may need the community of support in the future. How will you be celebrating a #FamilyCaregiver this month?