Caregivers are often overlooked and overwhelmed as they provide comfort, camaraderie, and even medical care responsibilities for loved ones who have a chronic illness, disability, or simply need more help. Dealing with the pandemic has been a battle for everyone, but recent public health surveys and academic studies from top universities show that caregivers need to care more, not less, for loved ones during these troubled times, which often leads to more stress.
Because of this, it is more important than ever for caregivers to take the time to care for themselves. To meet these needs, Caregiver Monday, A program to support the self-sufficiency of the country’s 65 million family carers offers weekly health and wellness practices. During National Family Caregiver Month in November, Caregiver Monday coordinates activities with several national organizations to celebrate caregivers.
During the month, Sherri Snelling, Gerontologist and Distributor for Caregiver Monday, will attend on-demand videos and webinars on wellness-related topics for caregivers, including: “The Power of Play,” hosted by Ageless Innovation; Community Care Corps Gives Nurses a Break with Caregiver Action Network; “The Art of Social Connections in Social Distancing,” hosted by the Film Television Fund; “Brain Health 101” with WomenAgainstAlzheimer, among others.
Snelling will also feature Caregiver Monday in several podcasts such as Mary Furlong & Associates and The Senior Zone and author several articles, including for the Caregiver Action Network’s partnership with USA today on a supplement “Caregivers in Crisis”. Caregiver Monday, offered through the Caregiving Club, will also publish a themed article featuring evidence-based research on specific topics related to caregiver self-care, as well as providing weekly self-care practices and health news through its social media channels.
For more information on how you or your organization can incorporate Caregiver Monday resources into a new weekly health habit or improve existing health and wellness programs, please visit MondayCampaigns.org and careivingclub.com/caregiver-monday
