November is Family Caregiver Month

Received this in my email today from Veterans Health:

"A Message to Family Caregivers

from

Laura Taylor, Director, National Caregiver Program

Deborah Amdur, Chief Consultant, Care Management and Social Work Services

Department of Veterans Affairs

Family Caregivers Matter! November is National Family Caregivers Month; a time to celebrate and recognize the multiple roles and responsibilities of so many Family Caregivers of Veterans and the many ways in which you matter - to the Veteran you care for, to your family and community, to your Veteran’s VA health care team and to the nation.

Being a Caregiver often means that you, the Family Caregiver, put your own needs last, at the end of a never ending list of “things to do." This month, why not treat yourself by putting an enjoyable activity, just for you, at the top of your “to-do” list?  Throughout the month, Caregiver Support Coordinators across the country will be holding special events for Caregivers of Veterans to say thank you for all you do and re-affirm the importance of the care you provide. Check out the Family Caregiver month activities at your local VA Medical Center. You can locate your Caregiver Support Coordinator (CSC) on the Caregiver Support website www.caregiver.va.gov by simply entering your zip code. If you are not able to attend an event, the website has information on “Staying Strong” and “Caring for Yourself." You will find information on maintaining your physical and emotional well being including instructions for, practicing mindfulness, deep breathing, meditating and journaling to reduce stress.

In November, we honor our Veterans and give thanks for our many blessings, it is fitting that also in this month, we, as a nation, recognize the steadfast dedication of Family Caregivers to the health and well being of the Veterans you care for. "