Happy National Caregivers Day

In celebration of National Caregivers Day we wanted to share an article from our MOSAIC Resource Library in hopes that it educates and inspires.  Please be sure to read to the end and take a moment to view Azura’s latest Thank You Video of our EXCEPTIONAL Team of Caregivers too!

“Caregiving often calls us to lean into love, we didn’t know possible.” ~ Tie Walker 

Over 25 million Americans are caregivers, but many when asked do not even recognize that they are indeed giving care.  They view their tasks as part of their daily routine or duties in their relationship with their loved one.

Caregivers can be family, friends, neighbors or someone you converse with many miles away.  There is no age limit to being a caregiver.  In fact, a five-year old child can provide emotional support to his ailing grandfather and an 89-year-old mother can provide medication reminders to her 60-year-old son. 

However, identifying that you are indeed a caregiver can help in many ways.  First, it allows you to realize all that you do for that loved one and in essence give yourself a pat on the back.  In addition, it can help you evaluate if you are prepared and capable to continue these tasks or if you need to seek resources in the community to assist you.

Find out if you are a caregiver below:

• Do you shop, do errands or accompany an aging loved one to their doctor appointments?
• Do you provide emotional support to your spouse, parent, neighbor, adult child or friend through regular phone calls or conversations?
• Do you provide physical assistance, an arm to hold while walking or help going to the bathroom, to a love one?
• Do you remind an adult in your life to take their pills?
• Do you cook or clean regularly or periodically for another in your life?

You are a caregiver when an older adult relies on you to help them with their daily activities.  These activities can be shopping, conversations, medication or assistance with mobility issues.  They can be very hands-on or handled long-distance.  However, without your intervention or the assistance from someone else the odds of this task being accomplished are not high. 

A caregiver makes a tremendous difference in the lives of those they care for because without them their quality and quantity of life would be adversely affected. If you are a caregiver, thank you for all that you do. 

“There are four types of caregivers: those who have been caregivers, those who currently are caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need a caregiver.”  ~ Former First Lady, Rosalyn Carter

Whatever your type of caregiving is, realize that you are not alone and that you are caring enough to give and for that we are thankful for YOU! We are EXCEPTIONALLY proud of our Azura Team and the many ways they enhance the care and engagement for our residents, ensuring their day is made up of a personalized MOSAIC of EXCEPTIONAL joy!