“There are only four kinds of people in the world:
those who have been caregivers,
those who are currently caregivers,
those who will be caregivers,
and those who will need caregivers.”
Rosalynn Carter, former First Lady of the United States and a passionate advocate for caregiving
National Caregivers Day, also known as "Thank a Caregiver Day," is held annually on the third Friday in February. The day honors caregivers of all types, from family to professional to independent, to private duty to informal. It was created in 2015 by the Providers Association for Home Health and Hospice Agencies (PAHHHA) as a day to celebrate professional caregivers and honor the care they do. The day is designed to support home health aides, nurses, therapists, and informal family caregivers who support our loved ones.
It is celebrated widely in local communities, healthcare organizations, and advocacy groups to support the work caregivers do and to raise awareness for the emotional, financial, and public policy needs of those who are caregivers. The role caregivers play serves to assist economies by helping families work while their loved one is cared for by a professional, allowing independence for those cared for to remain in their home, which reduces the burdens on overwhelmed health systems and allows care for chronic illness or crisis care of loved ones.
Please take time today to honor a caregiver today. I have included a list of resources below, including two caregiver booklets I published. One is for professional caregivers, and the other is for caregivers, family, and friends.
My publications:
https://www.amazon.com/Who-Ever-changing-Role-Caregiver-professionals/dp/B0DHXMDYNQ - A booklet for healthcare professionals & social workers utilizes professional and personal stories related to caregivers. The book is intended to help professionals in healthcare and social work assist caregivers and their families.
https://www.amazon.com/Who-Now-Ever-changing-Role-Caregiver-ebook/dp/B0DHV243JJ?ref_=ast_author_dp A booklet for caregivers, family, and friends.
RESOURCES:
https://www.caregiver.va.gov/ - U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
https://www.usa.gov/disability-caregiver - Learn about programs that may pay family or friends of people with disabilities to provide assistance as caregivers.
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