Many adults are caring for their aging parents. Caring Together Santa Barbara County recognizes their role and supports them in their journey. Courtesy photo.
Caring Together Santa Barbara County helps family caregivers access resources
SANTA BARBARA — National Family Caregivers Month – celebrated each November – is a time to recognize and honor family caregivers across the country. It’s an opportunity to raise awareness of caregiving issues, educate communities, and increase support for caregivers. If you are caring for an elderly or disabled loved one, know that you are not alone. Caring Together Santa Barbara County is a network of organizations here to support you.
Caring for family members affects persons from all walks of life. It is estimated that 80-85% of care provided is by family members. Whether the person receiving care is in the final stages of Alzheimer’s Disease or has another physical or cognitive impairment, the role of the caregiver is a challenge.
As a caregiver, it is important to prioritize your own health and well-being to best support your loved ones. Make time for yourself to take care of yourself. Exercise is important – and try to do this with others whenever possible. Join a support group and build your caregiving team to ensure you do not feel alone.
If you are a working caregiver trying to balance employment and caregiving, ask your employer if they have any benefits that fit your needs. Is there an Employee Assistance Program? Paid family or sick leave? Scheduling flexibility and predictability?
Juggling your work, personal life and caregiving responsibilities can be challenging. It is important to remember to reach out for assistance and to take care of yourself. Family caregivers looking for support can access information online at CaringTogetherSBC.org or via social media @CaringtogetherSBC.org. There they can learn about local resources, read articles from local professionals, take a caregiver stress quiz, or complete care map.
Caring Together Santa Barbara County is a public awareness campaign aimed at increasing the ability of caregivers to self-identify as a “caregiver.” Caring Together Santa Barbara County is focused on helping caregivers understand they are not alone in their caregiving efforts and there is a network or organizations to support them. Visit CaringTogetherSBC.org for list of participating organizations, articles, and links to resources.