November is Family Caregiver Appreciation Month

Governor Ritter has proclaimed November to be Colorado Family Caregiver Appreciation Month to honor the contributions that family caregivers make to help their loved ones who are not able to care for themselves.

It is a reality today, more than ever, that many of us are caring for a spouse, an older parent, or other family member while also taking care of our own children, working full time, and holding down other responsibilities. According to the American Geriatrics Society’s Foundation for Health in Aging, as many as 44 million Americans care for older parents, in-laws, grandparents, and other older loved ones.

Some older adults need only a little assistance from family caregivers such as help with shoveling snow, or rides to and from the grocery store. Others need a lot of help with daily activities like eating, bathing, dressing, taking medications, and managing money. Over time, an older adult often needs increasing help from caregivers.

While caring for an older family member can be one of the most rewarding experiences of a lifetime, it can also be stressful and frustrating. This is especially likely if the older adult has dementia or needs around-the-clock care. Sometimes, providing care for an older relative can be extremely distressing and lead to “caregiver burnout.”

JFS at Home, the 24/7 homecare division of Jewish Family Service, can provide a needed respite for family caregivers and help avoid fatigue and burnout. Whether a caregiver needs a break for just a few hours per week or ongoing care is required, JFS at Home can step in and take on a variety of tasks from personal care assistance to companionship. All JFS at Home caregivers are carefully screened, well credentialed, bonded and insured employees, providing peace of mind for everyone involved.

JFS at Home has had many success stories involving family caregivers. For example, the homecare service is currently providing care for a woman with dementia and makes it possible for her husband of more than 55 years to get out of the house a bit. He says, “I didn’t know where to turn for help, and because of JFS at Home, I can leave my wife with the caregiver and have some time for myself.” He has been doing the cooking, cleaning, and personal care by himself for years and as he has aged, it has become more difficult for him to keep up with all that is needed to do. JFS at Home has helped lighten his caregiver responsibilities and improve the couple’s quality of life.

For more information about JFS at Home, please call Cathy Grimm at (303) 750-4000.