Across the nation dedicated health care professionals serve those who require long-term or hospice care. National Caregivers’ Day honors those men and women dedicated to providing these vital services. Their days may be long and demanding, but they provide support to those who need it most. Since Friday is National Caregivers Day, we figured it would be a good time to educate people on caregivers and caregiving.
What is a Caregiver?
Caregivers can be spouses, partners, adult children, parents, other relatives (siblings, aunts, nieces/nephews, in-laws, grandchildren), friends, neighbors. Whatever your relationship with the person you’re caring for, it’s important that you add the title caregiver to the list of things you are. Without identifying yourself as a caregiver, you won’t know to search for resources that can help you navigate this new role.
Caregivers can play other roles as well. They may be employed full or part-time. They may be raising children, or be a volunteer, a spouse, have other family commitments. Adding caregiving to that list can easily lead to frustration and exhaustion. They might need to navigate social service systems, call doctors while they’re at work, advocate for the care receiver, and take care of their day-to-day needs, while they try to do all of those same things for themselves and their family.
Caregiving at Sholom
Many of our caregivers hail from other countries where their tradition is to provide for their elders at home. We are the beneficiary of this cultural strength. Our residents have given our staff high compliments on the respect and care they receive on a daily basis. This respectful approach not only improves resident comfort and satisfaction, but also ultimately, care outcomes.
All Nursing Assistants and Home Health Aides are certified. Many of our caregivers have received a variety of awards over the years, take a look at last year’s winners here.
If there is a caregiver in your life or in the life of a loved one, be sure to take time out of your day this Friday (02/15/19) to thank them for their dedication and care!
