Carrying the Torch of Family Caregiving

Carrying the Torch of Family Caregiving

Being part of a family sometimes includes the responsibilityof caring for our loved ones when they succumb to age, injury, accident or illness.  In doing so, we assume the role of family caregiver.  In a recent report by the AARP Public Policy Institute,  family caregiving beat out WalMart in 2009 with an estimated worth of $450 Billion. The Family Caregiving Alliance(FCA) reports that unpaid family caregivers are likely the largest source of long-term care services in the U.S.  On the same note, the FCA projects 37 million family caregivers by 2050, an increase of 85% from 2000.

Family caregiving is a pattern of care and compassion that is passed from generation to generation.  The example of one family caregiver has the power to cause a ripple effect through extended family, the community and home care.  It is such a relief to our professional caregivers when they enter a home knowing that a supportive family caregiver is involved in the client’s life.

When it comes down to it, home care is invaluable to the client, and can be just as beneficial to the family caregiver; respite care offers family caregivers peace of mind as they run errands, get rest and have guilt-free personal time.  For this reason, SYNERGY HomeCare goes the extra mile for our family caregivers by providing Arms Around Family Caregivers®.  A community outreach offering cost-free educational courses, year-round resources and a Facebook presence.  Each year we honor one family caregiver with the Pillar of Strength Award, a customized care package designed to change a family caregiver’s life.

I would like to personally thank each family caregiver for their selfless service. Family caregivers have a lot on their plates, and they should know about programs that will help them with their immediate needs as well as their long-term concerns.  Arms Around Family Caregivers® offers many of these programs and access to other family caregivers for encouragement and support.  If you are a family caregiver or know someone who is, feel free to visit the Arms Around Family Caregivers® Facebook page today. With SYNERGY HomeCare, you’re never alone.