November is National Caregiver Month
November is National Caregiver Month and the staff at St. Andrew’s Senior Solutions would like to take this opportunity to personally thank all of the caregivers out there who make such a huge difference in the lives of their loved one and the family around them.
My own journey as a caregiver began when I was 18 years old and my grandfather had a massive stroke. In one moment my family changed forever, and the years that followed ultimately led me to a career in helping other families in similar situations. I have witnessed first hand how stressful and challenging some aspects of caregiving can be, but I have also reaped the rewards and felt the joy the gift caregiving can be. There is pain and sadness in seeing a loved one decline or go through a health crisis, but on the other side of this is a strengthening of love and compassion that makes this journey worthwhile.
My family was very lucky. We had each other to depend on. My grandmother provided the majority of the hands on care for my grandfather when he was left paralyzed by the stroke. But there is no doubt the entire family’s help was needed. My aunt and uncle drove my grandmother back and forth to the hospital and rehab center in the beginning. My brother and cousin took over the yard work and came by each week to take the trash to the curb and help out around the house. My sister and I helped with housekeeping and errands. And, eventually, my mother quit her job and moved back to the area so she could help her parents full time. Back then I would have only identified my grandmother as a caregiver, but looking back I see we were a family of caregivers and that each of us contributed in a valuable way, no matter how small it seemed at the time.
However, even with all the help the family provided, there were many times we had to rely on community resources for the things we were unable to do. We enlisted home health care, transportation services, respite care, and eventually hospice care to fill in the gaps in the care the family provided. Without these resources my grandfather would not have been able to remain at home, as both he and my grandmother desired.
Caregivers perform a difficult job, and while we take the time to thank you for all that you do, we want to also use this as an opportunity to remind you that it is okay, and sometimes absolutely necessary, to ask for help. One person cannot do everything alone, and it is important that you take care of your own needs and do not neglect yourself in the process. If you do not have family members who are able to help, there are many resources available in the community. There are support groups, respite care options, chore services, supportive care, home health care, and many more programs designed to help you in your efforts to care for your loved one. If you need assistance in locating resources to meet your family’s needs, please call today!
For more information contact your Caring Workplace Eldercare Specialist, Heather O’Brien at 314-802-5106, Toll free 1-888-388-1930 or hobrien@standrews1.com