National Family Caregivers Month 2023

November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to recognize and honor family caregivers each year.

National recognition for family caregivers began in 1994, when the Caregiver Action Network began promoting the cause. In 1997 President Clinton signed the first National Family Caregivers Month Presidential Proclamation. Each November since then, an annual proclamation has been issued to recognize and celebrate family caregivers. This year’s theme is #CaregiversConnect.

The purpose of National Family Caregivers Month is to bring attention and recognition to the contributions of family caregivers across the country, and bring awareness the to the immense value of these individuals. Additionally, it is a time to advocate for enhanced support and tools for caregivers.

Statistics on Caregivers:

According to the 2022 National Poll on Healthy Aging conducted by the Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation at the University of Michigan:

  • 54% of adults ages 50-80 have reported taking on caregiving tasks for another adult over the age of 65.
  • 65% of caregivers have reported at least one challenge including:
    • Emotional or physical fatigue
    • Balancing work or other responsibilities
    • Lack of time for self-care
    • Balancing time with family or friends
  • 96% of caregivers are unpaid
  • According to AARP, the care provided by these unpaid caregivers is estimated to be valued at $600 billion in 2021.

 

Challenges of Being a Caregiver

Being a caregiver, though often rewarding, is filled with challenges. According to the MHA (Mental Health America) Approximately 25% of caregivers of a person with a mental illness have depression themselves. The stressful nature of caregiving can take its toll on one’s mental health, so it is especially important for caregivers to pay attention to their mental well-being.

Burnout

Caregiver burnout manifests as a condition marked by physical, emotional, and mental fatigue, often accompanied by a shift towards a negative mindset. It can occur when individuals undertake responsibilities beyond their physical and financial capacities without adequate support. Unrealistic expectations, such as anticipating positive outcomes while caring for someone with a progressive illness, can also contribute to burnout. A few symptoms to be aware of are:

  • Withdrawal from friends and family
  • Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
  • Feeling blue, cranky, hopeless, and helpless
  • Changes in appetite, weight, or both
  • Changes in sleep patterns
  • Withdrawal from friends and family

Compassion Fatigue

Compassion fatigue is more severe than burnout and represents a state of high tension and stress. Unlike burnout, compassion fatigue is a type of secondary stress disorder that results from being exposed to the traumatic experiences of the person you are caring for. The diminishing empathy associated with compassion fatigue stems from absorbing the emotions of those you care for over time, making it challenging to be compassionate. Compassion fatigue can happen to people who work as caregivers as part of their job, but it can also affect family caregivers. Symptoms of compassion fatigue include:

  • feelings of helplessness and powerlessness in the face of patient suffering
  • reduced feelings of empathy and sensitivity
  • feeling detached, numb and emotionally disconnected
  • increased anxiety, sadness, anger and irritability

Find Support

For caregivers, it’s crucial to engage in open conversations and create a strategy to handle stress and emotional responses, both for yourself and your loved one who is dealing with illness. This November, during National Family Caregivers Month, is an ideal moment to initiate discussions about the challenges of caregiving.

Talking about activities and habits that can reduce stress, such as yoga, journaling, or taking a simple walk outside, is always a good idea. These small actions can make a significant difference in managing anxiety and stress while promoting self-care. Some individuals also find it beneficial to establish a daily self-care routine. To effectively manage the stress of caregiving, consider the following strategies:

  • Accepting assistance from others
  • Setting achievable goals
  • Joining a support group
  • Paying attention to your own health requirements
  • Connecting with your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or mental health provider

Uprise Health assists our members by connecting them with telephonic or in-person support. Our members can also use our digital EAP platform to learn how to sleep better, practice mindfulness, and stress management. Support is important. Learn how we help our members improve self-care, find the right coach or counselor that can help, and stay attuned to their own needs and mental health, visit our Resource Center for more information.