Elder Care Cafe

Just who is the National Family Caregivers Association? They are a group of people who “educate, support, empower and speak up for the more than 65 million Americans who care for loved ones with a chronic illness or disability or the facilities of old age.” They believe all caregivers should have the recognition they deserve for the tough role they play in the life of their loved one.

The National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA) understands the all too real possibility that the caregiver will burn out before their care giving stint has come to an end. They try to fill in the gaps of what the caregiver needs in the way of information and support so that the caregiver remains their health and well being.

Their stated core message to all caregivers regarding Caring Every Day is:

• Believe in Yourself
• Protect Your Health
• Reach Out for Help
• Speak Up for Your Rights

They understand that most caregivers rarely ask for help and that caregiver burn out is high. Whether it is about the desire to maintain their privacy or that they do not want others to know what is going on in their personal lives, or that they do not want to admit defeat, caregivers are reluctant to ask for help.

Reach Out for Help

Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it also takes a number of people to care for another person. The theme this year for National Family Caregivers Month is Reach Out for Help. To reach out for help is not a sign of weakness, but of strength. No matter who you are or where you are socially, economically, or physically, you need others in your life.

Seeking help from someone while you are caring for another person is an awareness that you have done the best you could under the circumstances, but you realize and understand that you cannot do it alone. No one can care for another person for any length of time and do it alone. It really is impossible. To ask for help is not admitting defeat as much as it is being strong enough and smart enough to know that we all need others in our lives.

Click on this link for further information about the National Family Caregivers Assocation. There is a plethora of information on their site. They are dedicated to supporting caregivers and everything on their site points to that goal. Familiarize yourself with the NFCA and all that they have to offer. As a caregiver or a friend of a caregiver, you will be glad you took the time.