MOUNT VERNON – Celebrated every November, National Family Caregivers Month (NFCM) is a time to recognize and honor family caregivers across the country. It offers an opportunity to raise awareness of caregiving issues, educate communities and increase support for caregivers.
The national observance is spearheaded by Caregiver Action Network (CAN), a nonprofit that provides free education, peer support and resources to family caregivers.
Locally, Knox Community Hospital wants to encourage and support caregivers, as they are such a crucial part of the support network for a family member. Following are some tips for family caregivers:
1. You’re not alone. Seek support from other caregivers.
2. Take care of your own health so that you can be strong enough to take care of your loved one.
3. Accept offers of help from trusted friends/family.
4. Learn how to communicate effectively with doctors.
5. Caregiving is hard work, so take respite breaks often.
6. Watch out for signs of depression and don’t delay getting professional help when you need it.
For more tips: caregiveraction.org.
Often, the family caregiver is the first one to notice changes in an older member of the family, such as a change in eating habits or memory. Families are the primary source of support for older adults and people with disabilities in the U.S. For information about the warning signs that an aging loved one needs help, go to eldercare.gov.
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Knox Community Hospital is a 99-bed, Joint Commission-accredited, community hospital located in Mount Vernon, Ohio, approximately 40 miles northeast of Columbus. Members of the Knox Community Hospital medical staff represent numerous specialties offering a wide range of clinically excellent services surprising for a community hospital. Our dedicated staff, along with a strong team of volunteers, is committed to providing personalized, high-quality care. Knox Community Hospital’s independent, not-for-profit status ensures that all remaining revenue after expenses is committed solely to improving patient services, technology, and facilities for the health of the people of Knox County and surrounding areas.
