Every year National Caregiver Month is celebrates the diversity of caregivers throughout the country. This year Montgomery County's Caregiver Support Program has developed eleven Engage@HOME episodes to honor families of choice and those caring for a relative.
Click here to view our collection of National Caregiver Month - Special Programs on Engage@HOME
Caregivers are a vital part of the community - they are unpaid family, friends, partners, colleagues, neighbors, members of faith communities and volunteers. Research has proven when caregivers receive support, they can better maintain their own health and be more effective as a care partner.
Caring for a friend or loved one is very natural, yet caregiving is a commitment and is often not planned. Care needs can be complex and ongoing. Caregivers may become responsible for care 24 hours a day. Providing care for someone else often can lead to neglecting self-care. Caregivers may become exhausted and feel overwhelmed, through:
· lack of sleep
· concern and worry
· loss of income and/or job security
· change in their relationship roles
· financial issues
· limitations on caregivers’ personal life
· unwillingness of friend/loved one to receive care or follow medical advice.
If a caregiver incurs expenses associated with providing care this adds additional strain. For caregivers who live a distance away this makes for more complex decision-making, extended time off work and worry of who will provide care when absent. All caregivers have day to day responsibilities prior to providing care, yet often the needs of the caregiver are overlooked.
These interviews and presentations offer a range of practical resources that are available to help caregivers, these include: support groups; in-home assistance; relief with day to day chores; enrichment activities; education and connection with other caregivers.
Caring for a friend or loved one is very natural, yet caregiving is a commitment and is often not planned. Care needs can be complex and ongoing. Caregivers may become responsible for care 24 hours a day. Providing care for someone else often can lead to neglecting self-care. Caregivers may become exhausted and feel overwhelmed, through:
· lack of sleep
· concern and worry
· loss of income and/or job security
· change in their relationship roles
· financial issues
· limitations on caregivers’ personal life
· unwillingness of friend/loved one to receive care or follow medical advice.
If a caregiver incurs expenses associated with providing care this adds additional strain. For caregivers who live a distance away this makes for more complex decision-making, extended time off work and worry of who will provide care when absent. All caregivers have day to day responsibilities prior to providing care, yet often the needs of the caregiver are overlooked.
These interviews and presentations offer a range of practical resources that are available to help caregivers, these include: support groups; in-home assistance; relief with day to day chores; enrichment activities; education and connection with other caregivers.
The County helps caregivers find supports to make each day a little easier.
Please contact the County’s Aging and Disability Services Resource Unit at 240-777-3000.
Click here to view our collection of National Caregiver Month - Special Programs on Engage@HOME
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Interviews with Montgomery County's:
Age Friendly - Home and Community Based Services Workgr
Dementia Friendly Initiative Action Team
LGBTQIA+ Health and Wellness Advisory Group - founding members
Adult Protective Services
Dialogues with:
The local team with National Capital Area Chapter of Alzheimer's Association
Conversations with two family caregivers
Dialogue with a caregiver turned author
Presentations:
In English and Spanish by Montgomery County's Aging and Disability Resource Unit
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Engage@HOME is a new YouTube Channel from Montgomery County’s Caregiver Support program.
We spotlight non-commercial and trusted virtual opportunities to help viewers
NEST WELL through community engagement. Episodes feature: topical interviews
and video content that enhances quality of life and personal resilience.
