Guest Author - Deborah Pipas

November 2008 is the fifteenth annual celebration of National Family Caregivers Awareness Month. Unless you have personally filled this role it is difficult to understand the work and sacrifice given by those who bear this title.

The family caregiver wears many hats in one day. They are the protector, the advocate, cook, maid, chauffeur, medical assistant, personal assistant, groomer, accountant, and business manager just to name a few. This person is available night and day to deal with the needs, requirements or desires of their disabled and/or elderly family member. Often this job is thankless and usually there is little or no financial reimbursement for time and expenses.

The benefits reaped can be priceless and many Americans consider it a privilege to be able to care for others. Caring for someone in need especially when they are a family member can be very rewarding but there is a cost involved as well. Many times the caregiver sacrifices needs and desires of their own to attend to someone unable to care for themselves.

Statistics in this country indicate that one out of five, or more than fifty million Americans have taken on the role of family caregiver. It is these individuals that really do make a difference to those that are disabled and/or elderly and cannot care for themselves.

If you have someone in your family that fills this role, offer them a few hours of breathing space, time to relax or enjoy something they would like to do. Stop by the card shop and pick up a card or some small token of your appreciation for all that they do to help your family member(s).

If you own a small local business perhaps you could offer a free service to caregivers during the month of November. If you are fortunate enough not to have the need of someone such as this in your family you are very blessed indeed.

Think about a friend or neighbor who takes care of a disabled and/or elderly loved one. It would be very thoughtful to make a special dish for that person or maybe just take a moment of your time to encourage them and let them know that others are aware of their hard work and sacrifices. It is amazing how much a kind word can benefit someone.

To all who serve as family caregivers may you be blessed!
24 “The Lord bless you and keep you;
25 The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
26 The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.”’ Numbers 6:24-26 (NKJV)