Our volunteer project at Kansas Food Bank during the MAK-AIRS conference was great fun! We sorted donated food items and got them ready for easy distribution to food pantries across the state.

Caregiver Action Network is proud to be the organization that sets the theme for November’s National Family Caregivers Month each year. 

The theme for National Family Caregivers Month November 2015 is “Respite: Care for Caregivers”.

Check out our National Family Caregivers Month Media Kit. The media kit includes PDF of the theme for you to download, background on National Family Caregivers Month and a sample proclamation for state and local governments. When President Obama issues the 2015 Presidential Proclamation, you will be able to find it on our media kit. Feel free to use these materials and distribute them to other interested parties.

“R•E•S•P•I•T•E”

The theme for National Family Caregivers Month November 2015 is

“Respite: Care for Caregivers”

Respite – the chance to take a breather, the opportunity to reenergize – is as important as any other item on your caregiver’s to-do list. People think of respite as a luxury, but considering caregivers’ increased risk for health issues from chronic stress, those risks are a lot costlier than some time away to recharge. Respite is the key to your own well-being. Respite protects your own health, strengthens family relationships, prevents burn-out and allows your loved one to stay at home up to three times longer. No wonder respite is one of the most frequently requested support services for family caregivers.

R     is for “Rest and Relaxation”

    Everyone needs a little “R and R” – especially family caregivers. Relaxing is the best way to return refreshed to handle your many responsibilities as a caregiver.

E     as in “Energize”

Caregiving is often round-the-clock 24/7. Respite isn’t simply “getting a few hours off.” It’s necessary to help you reenergize, reduce stress and provide care for your loved one.

S     as in “Sleep”

Caregivers often have sleep problems. Address sleep problems and insomnia before they take too great a toll on your health.

P    is for “Programs that can help you”

Respite – which can be in the home or out of the home – can be hard to find but there are programs available to help you.

I      as in “Imagination”

Let your mind run free; read a book; see a movie. You have been so occupied with the nuts-and-bolts of caregiving that refreshing your mind will actually help you be a better caregiver.

T     as in “Take Five”

...or better yet, take ten.  Do you find yourself saying, “I wish I had just ten minutes to myself”? Don’t feel guilty. You need a reprieve – a few minutes to temporarily disengage.

E     is for “Exhale”

A simple breath in and then a long exhale can help you focus and increase your vitality.  A few deep breaths can give you more energy, reduce stress, and lift your mood.

During National Family Caregivers Month, remember…

Respite: Care for Caregivers

© Caregiver Action Network • www.caregiveraction.org • 202.454.3970

Medicare Part D open enrollment begins Oct 15 – Dec 7.  This is the time to change plans or evaluate current plans for the next year.  Anyone needing assistance with checking their plans can contact Missouri CLAIM 1-800-390-3330 or www.missouriclaim.org.  Arkansas SHIP 800-224-6330 or www.insurance-arkansas.gov and Kansas SHICKS  800-860-5260 www.kdads.ks.gov.