Celebrating Caregivers: Honoring Strength and Compassion

Family caregivers are the backbone of our communities, offering their time, energy, and love to those who need it most. Their dedication is not only essential but deserving of recognition and support. November, which marks National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and National Family Caregivers Month, serves as an important reminder to celebrate and honor these selfless individuals while also offering them the resources they need to care for themselves.

Caregivers pour so much of themselves into supporting older adults and individuals with disabilities, yet they too need care, recognition, and support to sustain their own well-being. The Aging & Disabilities Department (AD) hosted a special webinar on November 20, titled “Celebrating Caregivers: Honoring Strength and Compassion.” The webinar was designed to provide family caregivers with practical advice, tools for self-care, and a deeper understanding of the resources available to them.

The interactive webinar allowed caregivers to ask questions, share experiences, and discuss what resources would be most beneficial to them. Participants learned about available services, practical self-care tips, and how to avoid burnout in their caregiving roles.

Several expert speakers offered valuable insights:

Barbra McLendon, Senior Director of Public Policy at Alzheimer’s Los Angeles, highlighted a key finding: caregivers often recognize the need for respite care, which is available. “Connecting caregivers to respite care is crucial,” she noted, emphasizing that caregivers shouldn’t feel isolated or overwhelmed.

Dr. Haydeh Fakhrabadi, Clinical Psychologist with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, shared a poignant quote from former First Lady Rosalynn Carter: “There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need a caregiver.” Dr. Fakhrabadi encouraged caregivers to take care of themselves, stressing that caregiving is a shared journey, and connecting with resources is key to sustaining their own well-being.

Yael Wyte, Program & Education Manager of the Alzheimer’s Association Southland Chapter, offered practical advice for family caregivers. “Before you go to bed, accept your day for what it was,” she said, reminding caregivers to be gentle with themselves.

Wyte also shared two infographics “10 Healthy Habits for Your Brain” and “10 Reasons to Take a Deep Breath,” along with the timely reminder that caregivers can make the holidays “look a little different this year”—a reminder to ease up on holiday expectations to preserve well-being.

Dr. Fakhrabadi reinforced the importance of self-care by leading attendees through a deeply relaxing breathing exercise, allowing them to experience firsthand how to find calm amid the challenges of caregiving.

Self-Care and Support Resources

Family caregivers often struggle to balance their own needs with the demands of caregiving. The Caregiver Action Network (CAN), which chose “I Care…” as the theme for National Family Caregivers Month 2024, emphasized the importance of self-recognition. Many caregivers don’t initially identify themselves as such, especially if they take on caregiving duties gradually. CAN also listed ten helpful tips for caregivers, including accepting offers of help and giving themselves credit for their efforts.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides additional helpful guidance for caregivers, advising them to prioritize their own health, delegate tasks, and take regular breaks. Recognizing that even the strongest caregivers can experience burnout is critical to sustaining their ability to care for others.

In Los Angeles County, AD’s Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP) offers a range of services for unpaid family caregivers. The program provides emotional, physical, and financial support to caregivers, helping alleviate the challenges of caregiving. By offering resources, training, and counseling, the FCSP is dedicated to supporting family caregivers in their essential roles.

Honoring and Supporting Caregivers

Caregivers are the unsung heroes in our communities, and it’s vital that they are not only celebrated but also supported. They give tirelessly of themselves, and they deserve the same level of care and attention in return. The Los Angeles County Aging & Disabilities Department is committed to ensuring that caregivers have the resources they need to maintain their own health and well-being while continuing their crucial work.

Thank you to all the family caregivers who selflessly assist those who need care, helping them to live with dignity, safety, and independence. Your strength, compassion, and commitment make our communities stronger, and we honor your contributions every day.

Watch the Webinar Recording

A recording of the webinar will soon be available on the AD YouTube Channel’s Webinar Playlist.