National Family Caregiver Month 2023

The Unsung Heroes

National Family Caregivers Month 2023 is an annual event dedicated to recognizing and honouring the selfless individuals who provide essential care and support to their loved ones who are ill, disabled, or senior. This month-long campaign seeks to raise awareness about the challenges faced by family caregivers. It is a time to celebrate their dedication, and provide resources and support to help them in their caregiving roles.

Alice – Sole Caregiver for Adults with Complex Needs

At Caremark Bromley, we witness first-hand the challenges caregivers face while looking after their loved ones. One of our customers’ next of kin, Alice, has shared her experience in accepting the reality that her parents now needed care:

“I initially noticed the decline in my dad’s strength. He had always been an active person, the handyman of the house, taking us on trips around the UK. Suddenly, we received news that he had a fall. His mobility was never the same, and the active man I looked up to was deteriorating. My mum stayed strong and did what she could. Eventually, she, too, started losing her strength. The shift from being their child to having the responsibility for their well-being happened so fast.

It was a tough transition, but you want to do the best you can for the people who brought you into this world. Their pain worsened over time, and I hoped the medication would provide moments of respite. Nighttime brought constant challenges, and the perpetual tiredness weighed on me. My life became dedicated to them, and I felt lonely, as if no one could understand the pressure I had to live with.

Having Caremark come into the picture has lifted a massive weight off my shoulders. I no longer worry 24/7 about their care, and I can finally switch off, giving me a chance to recover some energy.”

How to get Involved

There are several ways to get involved and show your support for family caregivers during National Family Caregivers Month:

• Express Your Gratitude: Take the time to thank family caregivers you know for their dedication and selflessness.
• Offer Assistance: If you have a friend or family member who is a caregiver offer to help. This could be with tasks such as grocery shopping, cooking, or providing respite care.
• Donate to Caregiver Organizations: Consider making a donation to organizations that provide resources and support to family caregivers.

The small support and recognition for their selflessness can go a long way.