What do you think the term “caregiver” means? I’m learning that it means something different to everyone. When all is said and done, almost every one of us will be a caregiver of some kind in our lifetime. From a skinned knee and the flu to cancer, dementia, Alzheimer’s, heart attack and chronic illnesses, we will either provide care or need it ourselves.
Through my own experience, I’ve learned that there’s a looming crisis in the United States when family members step up to care for their loved ones. Overtasked, unprepared for the requirements of advanced care, stressed and often financially strapped, caregiving is not for the light of heart.
- 44 Million Americans are caring for one or more family members at home or in care facilities
- The cost of healthcare is rising by more than 6% per year
- Less than 8% of families have purchased long-term health care insurance, so many families are footing the expenses out of their own pockets.
- The financial value of family provided caregiving services for older adults for “free” is somewhere near $375 BILLION each year.
- Family caregivers are the foundation of long-term care nationwide, exceeding Medicaid long-term care spending in all states.
We take care of our loved ones for a variety of good reasons, but sometimes at a very high cost.
Nearly 60% of clients in the California Caregiver Resource Center show signs of clinical depression. Caregivers have a tendency to put the care of their loved one first, to the detriment of their own physical and mental health, and sometimes that of the rest of their family.
This is why a book like “When Life Hits the Fan” is so important, providing tools caregivers need to care for themselves while they care for their loved ones. Practicing self-care is crucial, but many caregivers push that to the back of their minds, saying they “don’t have time” or the care of their loved one is “more important”. Even more reason to reach out to that caregiver you know and give them some love, support, and kindness!
Did you know that September is National Self-Care awareness month?
Yeah, I didn’t either, but it is, so I thought I’d share some wonderful quotes about self-care to spark some necessary discussions. Help spread the love why don’tcha?
Self-care quotes to share:
“Self-care is not a waste of time. Self-care makes your use of time more sustainable.” – Jackie Viramontez #selfcareseptember
“Take the time today to love yourself. You deserve it.” – Avina Celeste #selfcare #whenlifehitsthefan
“Self-care is never selfish, but it may feel that way when you live a frenzied life.” – Arthur P. Ciaramicoli #selfcare
“Taking care of yourself doesn’t mean me first, it means me too.”– L.R. Knost #selfcare #whenlifehitsthefan
“Solitude is where I place my chaos to rest and awaken my inner peace.” ― Nikki Rowe #meditation, #mindfulness and #selfcare #whenlifehitsthefan
“If your #compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete.” – Jack Kornfield #selfcare #whenlifehitsthefan
“There’s only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving, and that’s your own self.” – Aldous Huxley #selfcare for the #caregiver too. #whenlifehitsthefan
“When you can’t find your purpose in a day, make it to look after yourself.”― Dodie Clar #selfcareseptember #whenlifehitsthefan