National Family Caregivers Month an opportunity to remind family caregivers they can find support
By Roni Falck • Senior Services Manager
November is a time to show support and honor our nation’s vital caregivers during National Family Caregivers Month. Families are often the primary source of support for older adults and people with disabilities. In the United States, more than 53 million family caregivers provide unpaid care, according to the National Council on Aging (NCOA). That’s an economic value totaling more than $470 billion.
This year’s theme is #CaregiversConnect, emphasizing the importance of connection to information, support, and each other.
The NCOA also acknowledges that caregiving occurs “around the clock.” With #CaregivingAroundtheClock, NCOA notes that caring for older adults often requires around-the-clock dedication, organization, responsibility, scheduling, and hands-on care.
While caregiving can often feel all-consuming, and can also increase feelings of loneliness and isolation, please know you are not alone. JFCS can help in numerous ways:
Our Powerful Tools for Caregivers class is designed to provide participants with a wealth of self-care tools that will help them take care of themselves while taking care of others. Participants learn to reduce stress, improve self-confidence, bring more balance to their lives, better communicate their feelings, and increase their ability to make tough decisions.
JFCS’ Memory Café is a gathering for people with memory loss and their caregivers. Café members meet twice per month at the JFCS office in Golden Valley for activities and conversations in a comfortable, supportive environment. We often say Memory Café is a chance for people with memory loss and their caregivers to have a good day. Simple as that. Please contact Lindsay Kant at 952-417-2116 • lkant@jfcsmpls.org for program dates and information.
Accompanied Transportation services offer clients assistance getting to and from medical appointments. Clients are picked up at home and driven to their appointment with staff waiting at the appointment to drive clients home. Services are available on a sliding-fee scale.
Both new and seasoned caregivers may benefit from a Care Plan Consultation. This service helps when families notice changes in parents and/or spouses. During a crisis, or before one arises, Care Plan Consultations help families articulate issues and challenges, learn about available resources, and create a plan of care for maximizing independence.
If you are interested in any of these services and/or participating in future Powerful Tools for Caregivers classes or Memory Café meetings, please contact our Intake Department at 952-546-0616 or intake@jfcsmpls.org.