With over 20 years of nursing experience, Dana Neemann, RN, BSN, serves as Director of Education and Patient Experience at CCMH. She also helps to organize and operate the monthly Care Support Group at CCMH.
Honoring Our Unsung Heroes: National Family Caregivers Month
November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to recognize and appreciate the invaluable contributions of family caregivers. These dedicated individuals provide essential care and support to loved ones with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or aging-related needs. Their selfless sacrifices often go unnoticed, yet their impact is profound. Neemann says the typical caregiver is often female.
“Statistically speaking, the typical arrangement is an 80 year old person being taken care of by a 40 year old female. About 70% of all primary caregivers are female. What our group has found is that much of that responsibility falls to either spouses, siblings or children. Our care support group finds great benefit from just simply having the opportunity to share those experiences with each other.”
The Role of Family Caregivers
Family caregivers play a vital role in the healthcare system and shoulder a wide range of responsibilities. According to Neemann, those duties may include physical care, like bathing dressing and eating, among many others.
“A significant number of people in our community do not have the financial resources to be able to get professionals into their homes to maintain all the activities of daily living and self-care. It’s not uncommon for caregivers to be the sole source to provide emotional support, manage medications and medical appointments, make the financial decisions, and take care of the household including all of the cooking and cleaning.”
The Toll of Caregiving
Neemann also notes while caregiving is a noble pursuit, it can also be physically, emotionally, and financially draining.
“Some of it is a matter of understanding it’s okay to not have all the answers. You’re not going to do it perfectly, especially when you’ve never been a caregiver before. It’s pretty easy to understand, if you’re the sole caregiver for another person, you will experience physical exhaustion, stress, social isolation, and, perhaps, financial strain. That’s why it is so important to participate in a care support group. You cannot be a caregiver and help others if you don’t know how to care for yourself.”
Supporting Family Caregivers
To honor the sacrifices of family caregivers, it’s essential to provide them with the support they need. Neemann says all people who function as family caregivers are welcome at the monthly support group meetings.
“We meet at CCMH in Conference Rooms C and D on the second Thursday of every month. The Care Support Group starts at 3 pm and is officially over at 4 pm, although we can accommodate anyone who comes early or stays late. The Care Support Group is open to all ages, all nationalities and all walks of life. We also provide free refreshments and cookies. Sometimes people think, ‘I’m not the right age, I’m not at the right stage’. If you’re even thinking about it, please come to a meeting, maybe two, and check it out. The door is always open for you to join us.”
Recognizing the Unsung Heroes
National Family Caregivers Month is an opportunity to express gratitude to the millions of family caregivers who dedicate their lives to caring for others. By acknowledging their sacrifices and providing them with the support they need, we can help ensure their well-being and the well-being of their loved ones.
Let’s take this month to honor our unsung heroes and make a difference in the lives of family caregivers.
