Did you know that November is National Family Caregivers Month?
Did you know that there are over 40 million U.S. caregivers who provide an estimated $470 billion of unpaid service annually?
Fortunately, this month the Family Caregiver Alliance initiated a really neat campaign to honor these millions of caregivers.
Join them in their campaign “I am a Caregiver for my __________ ” and let’s put a face on caregiving!
“I am a Caregiver for my ______.”
is a social media initiative of Family Caregiver Alliance.
Many who are now using social media (Facebook and Twitter) have seen the UnSelfie trend associated with the recent annual #GivingTuesday response to the post-Thanksgiving consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. #GivingTuesday is an opportunity to support the causes and organizations you value—it’s an opportunity to give back.
#GivingTuesday is on December 1, 2015.
Family Caregiver Alliance thought about how they could use the UnSelfie trend this year, and then they developed it into a more long-lasting caregiver campaign.
“I am a Caregiver for my ______.” is an opportunity to bring further awareness to the 40 million+ U.S. caregivers who provide an estimated $470 billion of unpaid service annually.
Will you join the campaign?
Here are the four easy steps:
1. Download and print the 8.5″x11″ sign in English or Spanish (M) or Spanish (F) →
2. Be sure to fill in the blank space (use a large pen) identifying who it is you are a caregiver for: your spouse, your father, your best friend …
3. Take your photo using your phone or digital camera
4. Share! Email your picture to [email protected] and we will share your picture on our social media sites OR
Facebook: Post your picture to your page and then Share it with Family Caregiver Alliance on Facebook.
Twitter: Post your picture to your page and add FCA’s Twitter handle @CaregiverAlly.
Don’t forget to use this hashtag with your post:
#IAmACaregiverForMy
Furthermore, the Caregiver Action Network, http://caregiveraction.org/, is also celebrating this November and offers these top 10 Tips for Family Caregivers:
1. Seek support from other caregivers. You are not alone!
2. Take care of your own health so that you can be strong enough to take care of your loved one.
3. Accept offers of help and suggest specific things people can do to help you.
4. Learn how to communicate effectively with doctors.
5. Caregiving is hard work so take respite breaks often.
6. Watch out for signs of depression and don’t delay in getting professional help when you need it.
7. Be open to new technologies that can help you care for your loved one.
8. Organize medical information so it’s up to date and easy to find.
9. Make sure legal documents are in order.
10. Give yourself credit for doing the best you can in one of the toughest jobs there is!
Furthermore, contact your local Independent Living Center and talk to an AT Advocate there. There might be assistive technology (AT) that might be able to help you be a better caregiver and let your family member be more independent! If you are in California, check out our AT exchange and find free AT – like durable medical equipment – or borrow some high-tech AT for free for 30 days!
