National Family Caregiver Month and Caregiver Burnout in Scottsdale

November is National Family Caregiver Month!

In honoring National Family Caregivers Month, we celebrate their journeys and open doors to the resources, community, and support they truly deserve.

National Family Caregiver Month

Since 1994, November has been celebrated through presidential proclamations, nonprofit initiatives, and community gatherings across the country. Each year, Caregiver Action Network selects a distinct theme to highlight a significant aspect of caregiving. This is a time to:

• Raise awareness of the importance family caregivers play in healthcare
• Educate communities about the many challenges facing caregivers and the support they need
• Help connect caregivers with resources that make their job easier
• Honor them for their resilience, commitment, and love

The Role of a Caregiver

Caregivers are those who care for someone in their lives, often a family member or friend. Someone unlikely to be able to care for themselves. Their duties may include:

• Helping with ADLs (activities of daily living)
• Preparing meals
• Completing housework
• Medication management
• Managing finances
• Transportation
• Monitoring health
• Communicating their needs with primary care physicians
• Ensure the safety and health of the person they are caring for

What is Caregiver Burnout?

Caring for someone full-time or even part-time can be taxing. When it starts wearing on you too much, that is called burnout. Burnout can feel like when a candle runs out of wick; it doesn’t have what it needs to keep doing its job effectively. Often occurring when you devote all of your time to helping someone else that you forget to help yourself.

Your health and well-being are just as important as those you care for. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of caregiver burnout is crucial, as it allows you to seek the support you need at the right time.

What are the Symptoms of Caregiver Burnout?

• Physical and emotional exhaustion
• Withdrawl from social situations
• Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed
• A feeling of hopelessness
• Changes in appetite
• Changes in sleep pattern
• Being unable to concentrate
• Waning health
• Being more irritable

What is Respite Care?

With respite care, another caregiver will come in and provide care for your loved one for a short time. This allows you a valuable opportunity to recharge, helping to prevent burnout in the long run. Giving you the chance to take care of yourself. Whether that be household chores, errands, a trip to the spa, or even a vacation.

Caregiver Resources in The Valley

Arizona Caregiver Coalition provides many resources to caregivers, including support groups, classes, and other programs.

Freedom Care hosts a directory for organizations that provide services and programming for caregivers.

Arizona Department of Economic Security offers its Family Caregiver Support Program that offers several services to caregivers, including information about services, assistance in gaining access to services, counseling, respite caer, and supplemental services.

Griswold Can Help

With our Respite Care, our experienced Caregivers can step in for just a few hours a day, a few days a week, or even for a longer term if needed. Sharing the responsibilities of caring for your aging loved one can make you feel more patient, energized, and present as a family caregiver.

If you’d like to explore this further, please reach out to us! We’re here to discuss your options and answer any questions you may have.