Caring for a family member or loved one is a non-stop job. National Family Caregivers Month is observed each November. It is a nationally recognized month. The purpose is to show that there are many challenges for family caregivers. It is also a time to stand up for stronger public policy on caregiving issues. Most importantly, it is a time to thank and support family caregivers all over the country.

The National Family Caregivers Association offers some great ideas for celebrating Family Caregiver Month in November. Try one of these ideas or share this information with someone you know:

• Offer to help for a few hours so a caregiver can spend time with friends or relax.

• Send a card or flowers to a family caregiver to brighten their day.

• Encourage local businesses to offer a free service to family caregivers during November.

• Help a family caregiver decorate their home for the holidays. Help them address and mail out holiday letters or cards.

• Offer the gift of humor! Take a caregiver to a funny movie or out to dinner. Give them a funny book to read.

• Get family photos from the caregiver. Create a monthly calendar using the photos for each month. The caregiver can use it to keep up with appointments and other events.

• Offer to prepare or help with Thanksgiving dinner for a family caregiver in your community.

• Help a family caregiver find needed resources on the Internet or find a local support group.

References: National Family Caregivers Association (2009). Speak up! National family care givers month. Available at http://www.nfcacares.org/national_family_caregiver_month/

Source: Kerri Ashurst, Extension Specialist, University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture.