November was National Family Caregiver Support Month! National Family Caregiver Support Month is a time to support, honor, and recognize the vital work of caregivers in keeping King County’s communities safe and healthy. Family caregivers play an important role in the day-to-day wellbeing of those they are caring for and are tasked with managing the quality of life for that person. Many caregivers provide “around the clock” care–meaning 24/7 dedication, organization, responsibility, scheduling, and hands-on care. Family caregivers work tirelessly, are often unpaid, and many go without supports and care for themselves. According to the American Heart Association, many caregivers experience feelings of guilt from wanting time for themselves, leading to stress and burnout. The Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy (VSHSL) partners with organizations across King County that provide critical caregiving services to veterans, seniors, and resilient communities.

The VSHSL extends our deepest gratitude to caregivers in our partner network and across King County. On National Family Caregiver Month and beyond, the VSHSL encourages caregivers to practice and prioritize self-care. Self-care not only benefits caregivers but also the individuals receiving care.

In honor of National Family Caregiver Month, we compiled a list of care tips to support caregivers in practicing self-care.  Five self-care reminders for caregivers that can make a big impact:

  1. Get enough sleep: Sleep deprivation can cause disruptions to your mental health and overall wellbeing. Strive for at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep for optimal health
  2. Eat a healthy diet: Nutritious and well-balanced meals can help reduce stress and improve overall energy
  3. Move your body: Exercise of any form for at least 20 minutes a day can help reduce depression and improve sleep quality
  4. Find a support system: We all need support and connection to others. Staying engaged with people who can support you and your wellbeing is community care and important to sustaining critical caregiving work.
  5. Make time for joy: Hobbies and activities that make you happy are needed for overall happiness and fulfillment

Caregivers in our community

The Khmer Community of Seattle King County (KCSKC), funded through the VSHSL to provide caregiver community building and caregiver respite supports, provides holistic culturally and linguistically relevant respite services for Khmer and Khmer American seniors and their caregivers in King County. “As part of the caregiver respite providers team, we know our services are a must, and we can feel the impact we have made. Both the elders and the caregivers are very appreciative and grateful to have received such meaningful services,” shared a KCSKC staff member.

Full Life Care, funded through the VSHSL to provide caregiver community building and caregiver respite supports, provides holistic respite services through a Team Model approach, called Care Teams program, which consists of a team of volunteers trained to provide social, emotional, and practical support for unpaid caregivers of low-income seniors and veterans. In honor of National Family Caregiver Support Month, Full Life Care shared a blog honoring caregivers supported by their Care Teams program. Linda, a caregiver supported by Full Life Care’s Care Teams program, shared “Caregivers often don’t know how to ask for help…I’m still learning.”

Caregiver support resources

Learn more about how to support caregivers:

In May, VSHSL-funded Kinship Caregiver provider, Women United, hosted a Caregiver Appreciation Day. Attendees were celebrated with certificates of appreciation and an evening of live music and connection. Women United’s Executive Director Alesia Cannady and Leon Richardson, DCHS Adult Services Division Director presented certificates to the group.