As Americans are living longer and longer each year, the demand for family caregivers continues to grow. November is National Family Caregiver Month and it can be an important reminder to make sure that we care for the caregivers who are spending their days caring for loved ones. Did you know that, according to the AARP, over 40 million Americans are caring for a sick, elderly, or disabled family member and have provided an estimated 34 billion hours of free care? That is a lot of Americans donating an enormous amount of their time to take care of a family member in need, and they do so on top of handling their own personal lives. Many of these caregivers are thrust into their role with little instruction or support, which may cause them to feel alone and overwhelmed. They often sacrifice their own wellbeing to care for their loved ones, and they need our support.
Family caregivers can be so consumed with taking responsibility for the wellbeing of their loved one that they fail to care for themselves. This can cause them to be vulnerable to becoming overstressed, depressed, or burnt-out. It is important to remind the family caregivers in your life that they need to make sure they are taking care of themselves because they cannot be an effective caregiver if they are not their best selves.
It can also be important to remind caregivers that they are not alone. There are plenty of resources that they can consult for support. Family caregivers should also be sure to consult an attorney who can ensure that appropriate plans have been put in place so that they are able to effectively execute their duties as a caregiver and so that their loved one’s interests are protected.
For help with caregiver support and long term care planning, our office is here for you and your loved ones. We are here to answer your questions and provide legal support. Contact one of our member attorneys today.