National Family Caregiver Month is November -

Most family caregivers also hold down regular jobs.

Did you notice the title? National Family Caregiver Month? Three of four family caregivers either work now or have been working while providing care. Two thirds have made adjustments to their work life or given up their jobs.

One in five family caregivers has had to take a leave of absence.

Most provide 20 to 40 hours a week or more. Do you know someone who is a family caregiver? Are you? What needs to happen to ease the burden and lighten the load?

Can you relate to my situation with my mother?

Because I loved Mother so much, as her caregiver, I felt a need to be personally involved in all aspects of her care. It was difficult for me to turn loose of the reigns and trust others to help.

Being a family caregiver taught me two life-changing lessons.

#1, I could not do everything myself, physically or mentally.

#2, It was well worth my time to learn from others in my situation and explore options.

There are several helps available.

Free articles, free videos and books, a safe place to dialog.

Here are two of my favorite websites for helpful ideas and solutions from those who have been there. Some offer a safe place to chat with other caregivers. Both websites are self-explanatory and very easy to navigate. Whether you have just a few minutes or an hour, you will gain from checking these out.

Caregiving.com

This website: http://www.caregiving.com is by far my favorite website for caregivers. It is a very user-friendly site and offers many choices.

There are several blogs including caring for spouses, caring for children, caring for parents, caring for grandparents, caring for 2 or 3 or 4 at once, etc. There are many free articles and videos as well as a store.

If you tire of reading, they even offer a few free games to play while you rest.

Alzheimer’s Association for more than Alzheimer’s

www.alz.org offers articles drawing clear pictures of the difference between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. A great place to start if this is an area you have concerns about for yourself or someone in your care.

Alzheimer’s Association offers help finding geriatric resources in your area; an informative e-newsletter, and overview of Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia.
The facts are astounding, yet there is help and there is hope. I pray you will be encouraged today, and will find a way to encourage others along the path.

Have a great week, and let me hear from you.

Hugs,