Kiss a Caregiver: November 25, 2008--A Day to Give Thanks for Those Who Care For Immediate Release; For More Information, Contact Denise M. Brown, 773-343-6341 (Park Ridge, IL)- When you focus on the care needs of another family member, you may forget to take care of yourself. And, other family members and friends may be so preoccupied with the health issues of the family member with the illness or disability that they inadvertently overlook the needs and well-being of the family caregiver. Except on Tuesday, November 25. Kiss a Caregiver, sponsored by The Center for Family Caregivers, hopes to encourage family members and friends to show their love and support for the family caregivers in their lives. These family caregivers might be the sisters who care for their mothers; the daughters or sons who care for their fathers; the granddaughters who care for their grandmothers. "We've designated this day, during National Family Caregivers Month and during the week of Thanksgiving, for everyone to show their love and appreciation for those who care for a relative with a chronic illness or disability," explains Denise Brown, Executive Director, The Center for Family Caregivers. National Family Caregivers Month recognizes and celebrates the efforts of family caregivers. Surveys estimate that roughly 25% of U.S. households (23.5 million) report caring for a person 50 years or older. And, experts estimate that unpaid family caregivers provide a market value of almost $196 billion in at-home care services. According to a survey of family caregivers conducted by Caregiving.com, 38% of respondents have been caregiving for more than five years; 36% expect their role to last at least another five years. Survey respondents indicated that the most difficult aspect of caregiving is finding time to socialize with family and friends. Getting other relatives to help and finding affordable help are also difficult challenges faced by family caregivers. Even with all the challenges of the experience, family caregivers recognize how important their experience has been to their personal and spiritual growth--and to the family member for which they care. They wouldn't trade the experience, which can be frustrating, overwhelming, depressing, and stressful, for the world. But, they would love to be recognized for their efforts through the best Thank You available--a hug and a kiss. So, if you know a family caregiver, simply give them a kiss! The Center for Family Caregivers works to increase awareness within the community and the family of the importance of the family caregiver. The Center sponsors Family Caregiver Awareness Days (Cook for a Caregiver, Job Jar Day and Kiss a Caregiver) as well as distributes educational materials to help family caregivers. About Denise Brown In addition to leading Caregiving.com as its President, Brown serves as Executive Director of The Center for Family Caregivers and is a nationally respected coach, consultant, and presenter on caregiving and aging issues that impact families. She is the author of The Caregiving Years: Six Stages to a Meaningful Journey, a nationally recognized handbook for caregivers. She hosts a weekly talk show, Your Caregiving Journey, on BlogTalkRadio.com. Her insights about the family caregiver experience have been featured in Time magazine, Chicago Tribune and The Wall Street Journal. # # # To contact Denise, call 773-343-6341 or email her.
|
