Fatigue is defined as “weariness or exhaustion from labor, exertion, or stress” (1). It is a common part of life, but can also be a symptom of an illness, such as cancer, and/or a side effect from treatments, including chemotherapy.
Over 42 million Americans will be recognized this month during National Caregivers Month. It is estimated that the “free” services provided by these family members totals $306 billion annually. Here are a few ways to celebrate national caregiver month.
1. Offer a few hours of respite time to a family caregiver so they can spend time with friends, or simply relax.
2. Send a card of appreciation or a bouquet of flowers to brighten a family caregiver’s day.
3. Encourage local businesses to offer a free service for family caregivers through the month of November.
4. Help a family caregiver decorate their home for the holidays or offer to address envelopes for their holiday cards.
5. Offer comic relief. Purchase tickets to a local comedy club, give a family caregiver your favorite funny movie to view, or provide them with a book on tape.
6. Find 12 different photos of the caregiver’s family and friends. Have a copy center create a 2015 calendar that the family caregiver can use to keep track of appointments and events
7. Offer to prepare Thanksgiving dinner for a caregiving family in your community, so they can just relax and enjoy the holiday.
8. Take a few minutes to write a letter. Encourage your faith community to ask for prayers not only for those who are ill, but also those who care for them.
9. Encourage family caregivers to become a part of the National Family Caregiver Story Project. It’s a great place to not only share but read about others in like situations.
10. Help a family caregiver find new educational materials and support through family caregiving web sites or by calling local social service agencies for help.
Source: http://www.caringnews.com/pub.59/issue.605/article.2552/
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