More than 90 million Americans provide care for someone who is aging, disabled, has one or more chronic conditions, just needs a little extra help, or some combination thereof. These individuals may not identify as “caregivers” but the role they play in the life of someone else is critical. November is National Family Caregiver Month and this year’s theme is #CaregivingHappens.
#CaregivingHappens when we least expect it: when we are at work, running errands, during natural disasters, or just living our everyday life. The key to optimally meeting the care needs of someone else is knowledge and preparation – we can’t be ready for every scenario but we can assemble tools in our caregiving toolbox to be ready to act when #CaregivingHappens. What role does Cooperative Extension play in helping when #CaregivingHappens?
Tips for Extension Professionals
- Determine challenges faced by caregivers in your local communities.
- Recognize Cooperative Extension resources that can meet your community’s unique caregiver needs.
- Develop new resources and programs to address gaps when #CaregivingHappens.
- Maintain a national clearinghouse of resources.
- Identify upcoming educational opportunities that enhance your knowledge to best meet your caregivers’ needs.
Upcoming Events for Extension Professionals & Caregivers
- Caregiving Relationships: Conversations on Aging – November 9, 2022
- The Caregiver Conflict: Tips for Providers Working with Families – November 20, 2022
- Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors – January 19, 2023
- Powerful Tools for Caregivers – Upcoming Classes
Cooperative Extension plays an important role in communities, serving as educators and connectors. As such, we have a unique perspective when it comes to systematic approaches to addressing complex issues caregivers face. #CaregivingHappens. #ExtensionResponds.
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