When my mother-in-law became ill and could no longer be home alone, there was no question I would leave my job and care for her. When my father was diagnosed with cancer there was no doubt I would fly or drive from Pennsylvania to Florida as often as possible to help my mother with his care. From the minute my father was put into Hospice care until he passed away I personally cared for him.
When one of my closest friends, Joelle was diagnosed with cancer another close friend, Tina and I drove to North Carolina to be with her. Joelle’s husband was in Iraq and she had two children. Tina’s children were grown and out of the house. She made the decision to leave her job and her husband to stay in North Carolina to care for Joelle and her family. I wanted to do whatever I could to help Tina. I visited as often as I could and chauffeured Tina back and forth for visits with her family.
November is National Caregivers Month. 40 million caregivers in the United States are unpaid and non-professional. They are often midlife women sandwiched between the needs of their parents and their own children.
Most caregivers neglect their own care for the sake of others. They don’t eat, sleep or exercise regularly and are often sad or depressed.
That’s why AARP created a community where caregivers can connect with experts and other caregivers and can find information and tools to take even better care of the person who once took care of them.
http://www.aarp.org/home-family/caregiving/
Random Acts of Kindness for Caregivers
Do you know a caregiver that could use a random Act of Kindness?
Identify someone in your life or in your community who is serving as a caregiver and do something nice for them. It doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive, just a small gesture that makes a caregiver’s life a little easier
We’re also asking that participants share their story with us. If they submit a 150 word or less summary of how they made a caregiver feel special and photo, they’ll be entered to win a cash prize from our $10,000 pot.
“This is a sponsored post on behalf of Element Associates and Midlife Boulevard.”
For more info watch this short clip:
#BeKindtoCaregivers
11 thoughts on “Random Acts of Kindness for Caregivers…”
Inspired, I just put aside a holiday package for my BFF’s caregiver,a lovely woman who has become like family, even though she is paid. She is so devoted to BFF and I love her for it.
A wonderful program by a wonderful organization. Thank you for shining a light on what we can do to help Doreen.
Kimberly XO
Thank you for this information. I will definitely share with my neighbor, Freda. I’m sure she has no idea there is such a supportive community for her. Thanks!
Wonderful. I’ve been a caregiver at times, and I know how difficult it can be. Bless caregivers, they have hearts of gold.
I have a few people I will be sharing your post with! I will be making sure that all of my friends who are caregivers will be receiving a little something in the mail this Christmas. I want them to know how truly special they are.
This couldn’t have come at a better time. Today, when I got a phone message from my brother in law’s wife that her mother has just been put into pallative care and it probably “won’t be long” I thought about all the caregivers in my life – my late friend, who took care of her 94 year old mother despite undergoing chemo for her cancer. My husband, who helps take care of both his mother and his developmentally disabled brother in law. His cousin, who helps to care for her 103 year old aunt. All of them deserve shoutouts.
Doreen maybe there was no question in your mind that when your mother-in-law became ill, you’d leave your job and care for her, but I’m guessing that a lot of women in your position would not have done that. So give yourself credit for being pretty damn wonderful.
Awesome info. I didn’t know AARP did that, there’s certainly a HUGE need. Thanks for your visit, much appreciate it. Got a note here on my desk to check with you off and on to see about your book. How’s it coming along? Be sure and keep me in the loop, would love to help promote it on the blog.
Thank you so much Sandy. The release date is 1/26/2016. It’s coming up fast.
A beautiful commentary on all the caregivers out there who devote their time and energy to caring for loved ones. My mother was one of them, and she has been a great example for me. I know my turn is coming. AARP offers a great service to the community.
This couldn’t come at a better time, my sister and I will definitely look into this for my mother. Thank you for sharing and have a blessed holiday!
Camille