November is National Family Caregivers Month, intended to honor, uplift, and recognize the millions of caregivers across the country who selflessly provide approximately $600 billion dollars in unpaid care for their loved ones with disabilities, chronic illnesses, age-related needs, and mental health challenges. The RAISE Caregivers Act (Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage) was established to offer guidelines and recommendations for those who provide support for patients and their caregivers.

At ConcertoCare, our care model recognizes and aligns with the RAISE initiative of person-centered care, endeavoring to recognize, assist, include, support, and engage caregivers in the delivery of medical, behavioral, and social care. We witness firsthand the emotional weight caregivers experience, often in silence, and isolated from their established support systems who may not understand their unique challenges. Caregiving can be overwhelming yet meaningful – but it can also feel alienating and exhausting. This month, we celebrate caregivers and honor our patients by sharing some tips for caregiver self-support and engagement.

Tips for Caregivers:

1. Prioritize SELF: It becomes impossible to provide care for your loved ones if you do not care for yourself. Keep your own health appointments and practice saying No to low priority asks to ensure you are your best self to care for your loved one.
2. Stay connected: Stay in contact with others, be it family, friends, or even newly acquainted friends through a caregiver support group. A conversation with someone who “gets you and sees you” can be just what you need!
3. Practice micro self-care: Small acts of self-care include simple activities that go a long way. For example, try spending 5 minutes doing nothing except breathing every day or taking a short walk around the block or your yard. Taking an uninterrupted 3-minute break just for you can be a meaningful act of self-care.
4. Explore your emotions: Expressing the emotions you experience as a human being who happens to be a caregiver is essential. Emotions can lose power and weight if you speak them out loud, whether it be through journaling or therapy.

During National Family Caregivers Month, take a moment to remember that providing the best care for a loved one starts with caring for yourself.  Find ways to prioritize self-care and practice it year-round.