Labor Of Love

Lately, it seems like there’s a national day for just about everything.

This month alone, you’ll find days honoring the periodic table, cabbage and toothaches. But there’s one we feel is totally justified: National Caregivers Day on Feb. 21. 

With the aging boomer population, more people are becoming caregivers – and at younger ages. The United States is home to 43.5 million adult caregivers, and at least 1.3 million kids ages 8 to 18 are in that role as well, according to the National Alliance for Caregiving. These children care for loved ones, go to school and then come home to care some more.

Being a caregiver is an unpaid job that’s emotionally, mentally and physically taxing. But there are ways to make it more manageable.

We spoke to Connie Siskowski, RN, Ph.D., president and founder of the American Association of Caregiving Youth in Boca Raton, for her insights.

Take advantage of technology. Managing medications can be overwhelming. “Explore technology options that can help you,” Siskowski says. Sign up for medication home deliveries, and set a virtual personal assistant like Alexa or Siri to provide medication reminders.

Have a plan B. “There is no guarantee that you as the caregiver will stay healthy,” she says. In case you get sick or something else unexpected comes up, enlist someone you trust who can step into your role. Home healthcare aides, congregants from your place of worship and senior companions may also lend support.

Practice self-care. “Schedule regular respite time for yourself,” Siskowski suggests. Get your nails done, take a walk on the beach or nurture relationships with your friends. This is another time when it’s perfectly fine to ask someone to take your place temporarily.

Enlist a good listener.  Find a trustworthy third party whom your loved one can confide in. “The person that you’re caring for may be protective of you and not want to share his feelings,” she explains. “He may not want to burden you with what he’s going through.” 

Join a support group. In-person or online groups connect you with likeminded people going through the same experiences. Some organizations even provide care for your loved one during meetings so you can focus. Find groups on Caregiver.com or call 211 to connect to human or social services. O

Illustration by iStock.com/VectorMine