National Family Caregivers Month is celebrated each November to acknowledge the contributions of those who nurture and care for family members of all ages. It also provides an opportunity to raise awareness about caregiving challenges and to offer support for caregivers.
Even when caring for a child, spouse, or relative is rewarding, it can be a source of great stress, and that's likely to impact the caregiver's own health. If you are a caregiver, it is important to remember that you cannot take care of others unless you take care of yourself as well. Here are some reminders and recommendations from JHEAP, the Johns Hopkins Employee Assistance Program, to help you nurture yourself.
Your feelings are important
Many caregivers feel guilty about expressing feelings of anger, stress, or resentment. It's common to have these feelings and important to acknowledge them in a healthy way so you don't suffer in silence. Start with these simple steps:
- Recognize your limitations. You are a human, not a superhero.
- Ask for help when it is needed. The Family Caregiver Alliance offers tips for asking for help around the winter holidays.
- Find a support group, such as a JHU Virtual Networking Group.
- Keep friends and family in your life. Social connection brings joy and humor to the heaviest situations.
- Express your feelings in a journal, through a creative hobby, or to a trusted friend or therapist. Bottled-up feelings can explode.
Recharge your batteries
Have your hobbies or leisure activities fallen by the wayside? Do you feel drained, lonely, or moody? It's important to do activities that bring you joy because joy and resilience are interconnected. Experiencing joy can give you the energy and motivation you need to keep going during difficult times. Take time to replenish your spirit with little actions each day:
- Take a stroll around the neighborhood to stimulate your senses.
- Read a book or watch a movie to inspire your imagination.
- Make a date with a friend, even if it is only for a few minutes.
- During your time away from caregiving, do something special for yourself instead of errands.
Use the support available to you at Johns Hopkins
The Office of Benefits & Worklife offers resources at no charge to you, including backup care; JHEAP, the Johns Hopkins Employee Assistance Program; and networking groups.
You have up to 10 days each year of subsidized Backup Care for children and adults. Beginning January 2025, Bright Horizons will be the provider of backup care and resources to help you take care of your family. (Care.com will continue as the provider through Dec. 31, 2024.)
The Johns Hopkins Employee Assistance Program can help with many of the challenges caregivers face, whether it's finding care, housing, or resources, or getting answers to legal and other questions. JHEAP also can help with the psychological stressors associated with caregiving by offering free counseling sessions, in person and virtually. JHEAP is available 24/7 by phone at 888-978-1262. For additional resources, visit myccaonline.com (company code: JHEAP).
JHEAP sponsors virtual networking groups that offer a safe space for employees to connect and share resources with peers who may be going through similar life experiences. The groups for caregivers are:
Open the networking flyer to see the entire list of groups and to register. In addition to meetings, each group has a Microsoft Team for sharing resources and connecting. If you have questions about the networking groups, email worklife@jhu.edu.
Posted in Health+Well-Being
Tagged hr newswire
