Self-Care Vital to Sustaining Family Caregivers

November is National Family Caregivers Month

Creating and maintaining good physical and mental health, creativity and social bonds are essential to a happy life, especially for individuals responsible for unpaid caregiving.

More than 50 million U.S. citizens say they have taken responsibility for providing unpaid caregiving for family or friends who are older or have disabilities. AARP estimates unpaid labors of love provided by family caregivers would total $600 billion if purchased. According to Pew Research, nearly a quarter of Americans over 40 are considered part of the “sandwich generation,” a term characterizing adults responsible for caring for children under 18 and a parent aged 65 or older.

While informal caregivers across the board report numerous benefits of this work, including helping loved ones maintain a higher quality of life and independence, unpaid labor can take a toll. Nearly two in five unpaid caregivers reported having at least two chronic health conditions. They also report losing sleep and making financial sacrifices.

Experts at the National Institutes of Health agree that committing to self-care helps caregivers maintain endurance and prevent illness and injury to themselves. While the term may call to mind visions of luxurious spa treatments and vacations, self-care can be as simple as eating nutritious meals, keeping medical appointments, dedicating time to personal projects and participating in a class at your local recreation center.

Westerville Parks and Recreation provides a robust schedule of classes and events to give residents of all ages opportunities to cultivate relationships while improving their mental and physical health.

Turn to the events section beginning page 33 and class selections beginning page 41 to see opportunities to connect with others and plug into Westerville life.

Support Group for Alzheimer’s Caregivers

A 2024 special report from the Alzheimer's Association found that 59% of family caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias report experiencing “high or very high” emotional stress. These caregivers also claim higher instances of chronic health conditions like stroke, coronary heart and cardiovascular disease compared to family caregivers of individuals with other diagnoses.

Trained facilitators from the Alzheimers Association of Central Ohio are helping caregivers manage stress through mindfulness techniques, education and general support at the free drop-in Alzheimer Association Caregiver Support Group at 6 p.m. on Thursdays from Nov. 21-Dec. 19 at Paramount Senior Living, 702 Polaris Parkway East.

Other Resources for Caregivers

AARP Toll-Free Helpline 1-877-333-5885

Administration for Community Living Eldercare Finder eldercare.acl.gov

ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center www.archrespite.org

Family Caregiver Alliance www.caregiver.org

Well Spouse Association www.wellspouse.org