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Give the Gift of Time to Someone You Know Who's a Caregiver
While caregiving can be rewarding, the day-in, day-out nonstop demands and responsibilities of caring for an elderly family member can be exhausting, frustrating, and sometimes even overwhelming. If you have a close friend or relative who's a family caregiver whom you'd like to help but are unsure of just what you can do, consider giving them the price-less gift of time.
Caring for a family member who can no longer care for themselves can require being "on duty" 24/7. Year-round, a caregiver's dedication, love, and round-the-clock attention are focused on responding to the needs of their aging loved one--often while balancing work demands and other family responsibilities, as well. A recent nationwide study reveals there are between 18 to 25 million family caregivers in the U.S. today--approximately 10% of the adult population--the majority of whom are between 40-59 years of age. Caregivers unanimously cite the loss of leisure and feelings of isolation as the most burdensome aspects of their role.
Your "gift of time" to a friend who's a caregiver could, for example, be either a one-time or regularly-scheduled offer to visit, cook a meal, bring along a video or favorite CD to enjoy, or to just spend time sharing a conversation or playing a favorite card game together. You might also consider offering a respite so that the caregiver can take an afternoon or evening off. Time for them to think, to relax, to enjoy a leisurely walk--time to take care of themselves.
Caregiving is a hard job, and it can take its toll. It is currently estimated that half of all the caregivers in our country suffer from prolonged depression while assuming the responsibility of caring for their loved one. If left untreated, depressive symptoms progressively worsen, causing needless pain and hardships, not only to the person who is depressed, but also to those who are critically dependent upon them. It could be that giving the "gift of time" to a friend who's a caregiver will provide them with the much-needed chance to take "time off" from their caregiving duties and attend to their own emotional well-being by seeking professional mental-health care for themselves.
Having the time to talk to a therapist who can give them emotional support and help them sort out and deal with some of the issues and concerns they're experiencing could prove to be a life-strengthening, energy-fortifying opportunity for your friend. And, since recent studies show that more people enter nursing homes because of caregiver burnout, rather than because of a worsening of their condition, helping your friend find the time to attend to their own emotional needs could ultimately benefit the loved one your friend is dedicated to providing at-home care to, as well.
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