LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – November is National Family Caregivers Month and it’s still not too late to recognize family caregivers.

Now – and even throughout the year – is the time to acknowledge all who contribute to caregiving for a family member.

It is also an opportunity to focus on the many challenges facing family caregivers, to advocate for public policies that address family caregiving issues and to raise awareness about community programs designed to support family caregivers.

The National Family Caregivers Association began promoting the celebration of family caregivers in 1994.

President Clinton signed the first presidential proclamation in 1997 to focus attention on the more than 65 million family caregivers who provide 80 percent of the long-term care services in the United States.

As interest grew in family caregiving issues, National Family Caregivers Week became National Family Caregivers Month.

Who is a family caregiver? The 75-year-old man across the table from you at Burger King is a caregiver. Watch how he feeds his wife, who has Alzheimer’s Disease, small bites of her burger with a smile.

That young mother who campaigns for specialized therapy for her 2-year-old autistic son is a caregiver.

The wife guiding her husband as he practices crossing the street safely is a caregiver. Since he suffered a severe traumatic brain injury, their lives have been turned upside down.

Family caregivers juggle enormous responsibilities with everyday demands to meet the needs of their loved ones.

Caregivers play a crucial role in helping family members and friends get the care they need to overcome or cope with the daily challenges of a disabling or chronic condition.

Many caregivers are folks who graciously sacrifice their resources and time to provide for an ailing parent, sibling or friend.

A recent study by the AARP revealed that family caregivers provide nearly $400 billion each year in “free caregiving services” for older adults.

Celebrating family caregivers during the month of November enables all of us to:

• Acknowledge our appreciation of the efforts of family caregivers;
• Raise awareness of family caregiver issues;
• Advocate for increased support for family caregivers;
• Educate family caregivers about self-identification beyond their image as caregiver.

Caregivers deserve a lot of praise and should know that there are resources and programs in the health care, legal and financial field that may help them plan for their loved one’s long-term care.

Here are some tips for caregivers and for those who want to lend support:

• Organize a circle of support. Caregiving often lasts for years and caregivers may need different forms of support and assistance as one's caregiving responsibilities evolve. Even if you've been a solo caregiver, it's never too early or too late to organize a circle of support. Make a detailed list of all the responsibilities, tasks, appointments and errands you manage. Then decide which could be done by someone else. Invite family and friends to a meeting. Many people are pleased to hear you need their specific skills even if they can't provide direct care to the sick person.
• Divide your reserves of compassion wisely. Save some compassion, forgiveness and kindness for yourself. Express compassion by prioritizing time for your health and well-being. Forgive yourself for what you don't know, didn't do exactly right, didn't say kindly that time. Remember, you are only human.
• Update your self-image beyond caregiving. Caregiving can be all-consuming. Take stock periodically and update how you view yourself and how you want others to know you. Hold out a few hopes and dreams of your own. Take small steps to make them happen.

And here are some tips for supporters:

• Join a circle of support. It’s never too late to get involved. Offer companionship, help with errands, physical therapy, professional skills, etc. Specify whether your help can be one time, intermittent or ongoing. Support circles work best when expectations and offers are spelled out clearly.
• Get involved in a policy or political issue. Advocate for more funding for eldercare services. Call your elected officials and ask them to vote for funding for programs that educate and support family caregivers. Write a letter supporting the Strengthening Services for America’s Seniors Act.
• Offer a caregiver the chance to feel “normal.” Caregivers also appreciate humor, distraction or a chance to go out for fun and not talk about caregiving.

Family caregiving is an issue for all of us. It has been said that there are four kinds of people in the world – those who have been caregivers, those who are currently a caregiver, those who will be caregivers and those who will need a caregiver. Few of us will be excluded. Take action not only this month, but throughout the year to reach out and assist a family caregiver by providing a ride, a meal or some respite time for them.

If you would like to learn more about becoming a caregiver, contact Lake County Department of Social Services Adult Services division at 707-995-4680 and ask for the IHSS Public Authority Registry.

Todd Metcalf is the Adult Services Program Manager at Lake County Department of Social Services.