In Honor of Family Caregivers

It’s #NationalCaregiversDay! Hats off to all #familycaregivers & all they do. They’re the stars of our health care system…and our families.

Here's a fun social experiment question: How many of the people you know are family caregivers? Any idea??

I'm guessing it’s more than you’d think. Whenever I mention the topic, almost everyone shares a story about someone in their family who needs care now, needed it in the past, or will need it in the future. And they always mention what an unbelievable challenge it is.

I've met only one person who couldn't think of any caregiving need or experience among his family or friends. (And I meet a lot of people.) He looked at me pretty blankly. Usually when I bring up family caregiving, people get that look that means they can't wait to tell me about the caregiving situation in their family. And they do. They tell me about it at length. Because it's important.

As they talk, I do my shoulder evaluation. Well, my evaluation of their shoulders. They start out tense, and by the time the conversation is over, the shoulders have dropped down a good inch or two. Stress relief is amazing to watch in real time.

Every #familycaregiving situation is unique. But every family caregiver deserves to be honored today for all they do for family or friends. For giving people who need help a better quality of life. For keeping people out of the hospital. For helping people live more independently and live at home longer. For getting them the care they need.

Here's a truly heavy question: Who will be your family caregiver some day?