National Family Caregivers Month

There are currently almost three million individuals in the U.S. who are caring for someone who has cancer. Every November, our nation recognizes the important role that caregivers play in our society through National Family Caregivers Month. This year’s theme is “Take Care to Give Care." 

A cancer caregiver is an unpaid individual who helps a patient (normally a family member or close friend) with daily activities and medical tasks. “Many times, they’re the lifeline of the person with cancer" (American Cancer Society).

Caregiving is a full-time job and can often times be physically and emotionally taxing. In fact, according to the Caregiver Action Network, 20 percent of caregivers “admit they have sacrificed their own physical health while caring for a loved one.” This year’s National Family Caregivers Month theme – “Take Care to Give Care” – aims to promote the importance of taking care of oneself in order to provide the best care to others.

If you are a caregiver to a cancer patient and are wondering if you need extra help, you may be interested in completing the American Cancer Society’s Caregiver Distress Checklist. 

Always remember that in order to provide the best care to your loved one, you have to take care of yourself first. Take Care to Give Care.

To learn more about National Family Caregivers Month, please visit http://caregiveraction.org/national-family-caregivers-month.