Consumer Health Minute: Caregiving

Posted by Carolyn Martin on November 7th, 2024 Posted in: Consumer Health, Health Observances
Tags: caregivers, caregiving, consumer health

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We often think of caregivers as those helping older adults but many caregivers are also helping those with chronic health conditions such as cancer or those with developmental disability such as cerebral palsy. Caregivers can be short term or long term and for a variety of needs.

Many caregivers are family members or neighbors or friends. Very few have training or are given compensation. And though many caregivers are doing this because they want to, it can be stressful and isolating.
Learn more about caregiving from the CDC and the Family Caregiver Alliance.

How can your library or organization support caregivers?

• Host an expert about caregiving with tips, guidance, and resources and where you can feature your own resources.
• Offer your place for caregiver support groups or start one of your own either in-person or virtually.
• Create a resource guide of local and national resources (including your local library materials).
• Raise awareness through social media and newsletters.
• Observe the national health observance, National Caregivers Month in November, with programs and social media posts. Some organizations offer social media kits.
• Invite a local caregiver support group to learn what their needs are and how you can best serve them OR connect with a local agency to partner together.

Here are some resources to offer:

MedlinePlus topics:

• Caregivers
• Caregiver Health
• Alzheimer’s Caregivers

A few additional resources include:

• National Cancer Institute, Resources for Caregivers
• National Institute on Aging, Caregiving and Caregiver’s Handbook (can download or order copies)
• Family Care Alliance
• CDC’s Disability & Health Information for Family Caregivers

Check with your local or state health department and agencies who may have more local information available.