November is National Caregiver Month

November is National Caregiver Month. In Minnesota, 91 percent of care to frail elderly is provided by family members and other informal sources, including friends, neighbors, and church volunteers. More are becoming caregivers as the senior population continues to grow at a rapid rate.

Bridget Allen, coordinator of the Lutheran Social Service Caregiver Support and Respite Program in this region, said it's important for caregivers to recognize their own needs as they care for others.

Caregiving can consist of many activities, from taking people to doctor appointments, paying bills, and setting up yard work services to monitoring medication schedules, fixing meals, and helping with personal care or providing visitation.

Caregivers may consider these tips from Lutheran Social Service:

Take care of yourself. Get enough sleep and exercise, eat healthy food, and keep up with your relationships with family and friends.

Find services you need to stay healthy. Do research to learn what services are available locally to help you. Watch for signs of depression and get professional help if you need it.

Seek support. Attend meetings with other caregivers. There is great comfort in knowing you are not alone. Gain support and encouragement, and learn from each other.

The U.S. Administration on Aging established a national family caregiver support program to care for caregivers and keep them healthy. Lutheran Social Service is among the participating organizations.