30 Nov National Family Caregiver Month 2017
“Family members, friends, and neighbors devote countless hours to providing care to their relatives or loved ones. During National Family Caregiver Month, we recognize and thank the humble heroes who do so much to keep our families and communities strong.” – President Barack Obama, NFC Month Proclamation 2012.
Throughout the month of November, it’s our special time to honor not only our amazing team of caregivers – but the millions of nurses, home care aides, therapists and social workers who dedicate their lives to serving patients and families. For that reason, we invite you to join us in celebrating November as “National Family Caregiver Month”.
Since opening En Su Casa 15 years ago, we’ve had the honor of working firsthand with these unsung heroes who play an integral role in our nation’s health care system. The noble services that caregivers provide in assisting seniors and disabled persons with activities of daily of living (ADL’s) are often overlooked. Therefore, we place a lot importance on recognizing them not just throughout November, but on a constant, daily basis. After all, their hard work makes it possible for thousands of individuals to age in place within the comfort of their own homes, even if they are mentally or physically disabled, or have been diagnosed with a disease or illness.
To help put into perspective the selflessness, understanding and patience it requires to be a caregiver, we’ve included a few quick facts. On average, caregivers spend:
- 4 hours per week providing care. Nearly 1 in 4 caregivers spends 41 hours or more per week providing care. [National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. (2015). Caregiving in the U.S.]
- 13 days per month on tasks such as shopping, food preparation, housekeeping, laundry, transportation, and giving medication;
- 6 days per month on feeding, dressing, grooming, walking, bathing, and assistance toileting;
- 13 hours per month researching care services or information on disease, coordinating physician visits or managing financial matters. [Gallup-Healthways. (2011). Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index.]
While we recognize the commitment of caregivers across the nation, we also want to put a spotlight on some of our own exceptional caregivers here at En Su Casa. So every week this month, we’ve selected a caregiver from our team who has demonstrated exceptional service and dedication. Presenting, our featured caregivers of the month!
WEEK 1: Lucia Felan
Caregiver for: 14 years
Favorite thing about being a caregiver: “Taking care of my clients and being there for them.”
Advice for other caregivers: “Have an open mind to your client. Respect their wishes. Show lots of compassion to their illness or situation, and put yourself in their shoes – then you will know.”
WEEK 2: Rachel Guenther
Caregiver for: 9 months
Favorite thing about being a caregiver: “I really love being able to help people with activities they can’t do themselves.”
Advice for other caregivers: “Be a caring person with a big heart to help people out.”
WEEK 3: Linda De La Luz Luna
Caregiver for: 1 year and 6 months
Favorite thing about being a caregiver: “I love being a caregiver because I get to spend quality time with our patients.”
Advice for other caregivers: “A good caregiver has the passion, patience and strives for safeness for their patient.”
WEEK 4: Dolores “Dot” Cruz
Caregiver for: 9 months
Favorite thing about being a caregiver: “My favorite thing about being a caregiver is being there when they need me and just talking and listening to them”
Advice for other caregivers: “What makes a good caregiver is someone who is always willing to help others”
We’re also fortunate to have an ENTIRE TEAM of dedicated and compassionate caregivers, so of course we can’t help but highlight more of them!
