National Family Caregivers Month

HealthWatch from ideastream recognizes National Family Caregivers Month. Both women and men face the challenges of caregiving and need support. Men make up 44% of the caregiving population. A caregiver’s mental and physical health is essential in providing care for a loved one. Stress is one factor that can significantly affect your overall well-being. Stress management through identifying the signs of stress and implementing coping skills can be very helpful. Signs of stress can be denial, anger, social withdraw, anxiety, depression, exhaustion, sleepiness, irritability, and inability to focus. Some coping tips include eating properly, exercising, and becoming involved in a community project.

Sources: Family Caregiver Alliance, National Center for Caregiving and National Family Caregivers Association

Information and Resources:

• Administration on Aging
• AARP, Long Distance Caregiving
• AARP, Managing the Stress of Caregiving
• Alzheimer's Association, Caregiving Tips
• Alzheimer's Association, Coping Tips for Caregivers
• And Thou Shalt Honor
• Family Caregiver Alliance, National Center for Caregiving
• National Alliance for Caregiving
• National Family Caregivers Association
• NetWellness, Community Health Information
• Ohio Department of Aging
• The Ohio State University, Human Development & Family Science Extension, Aging in Ohio
• University Hospitals Health System, Health Information
• WebMDHealth, 10 Strategies for Long-Distance Caregiving
• WVIZ/PBS ideastream, And Thou Shalt Honor, Caregiving in Northeast Ohio