National Gratitude Month is an annual designation observed in November. Gratitude is more than simply saying “thank you.” Gratitude’s amazing powers have the ability to shift us from focusing on the negative to appreciating what is positive in our lives. There have been many fundraisers and organizations built around this theory. Giving Tuesday is one of the most popular. Each year Facebook and PayPal vow to match up to a certain amount donated to non-profit organizations on Giving Tuesday. This year, #GivingTuesday is Novermber 27th, and Facebook and PayPal will match up to $7 million!
Also in November, the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association recognizes National Family Caregivers Month (NFCM) to acknowledge the millions of family caregivers who are caring for their loved ones with a chronic disease. Here are some facts about caregiving:
- Caregiving is costly.
Nearly half of working caregivers report that caregiving expenses have depleted most — or even all — of their savings.
- Help is available.
If you do decide that your loved one needs more than you alone can provide, A Place for Mom can help. Our Senior Living Advisors work one-on-one with families to help them find the most appropriate care for their parent or senior loved one.
- Knowledge can make your job easier.
A National Alliance for Caregiving survey found that 73% of caregivers said that praying helps them to cope with the stress. 44% said that reading books about caregiving to help them not only to manage their daily frustration but also gives them a sense of community.
- You are America’s #1 long-term care provider.
Family caregivers provide a staggering 90% of long-term care in America.
- You can take a break.
Just because you’ve committed to caring for a parent or senior loved one doesn’t mean you can’t take a break. Respite Care is short-term care, lasting anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks, that can be provided at a local senior living community or even in the home.
- You have limits.
Despite the demonstrated perseverance and strength of family caregivers, each of us has limits. It’s important to recognize when our loved one has declined to a point that professional care is the best option.
- You have to care for yourself first.
If you’re not keeping yourself happy and healthy, it’s doubtful that you will be able to do your best for your parent or senior loved one.
- Your work is valuable.
The value of the unpaid care these 65 million caregivers provide is estimated to be worth $375 billion. (National Alliance for Caregiving)
It is for these reasons, and MANY others, that S.O.A.R. will donate all #GivingTuesday donations to Family Caregivers. So please, help with whatever you can. Every little bit counts and goes a long way.
#GivingTuesday Donation