Nancy Ranalli is the director of community outreach and assistive technology for Easterseals.
Every morning, before most people have finished their first cups of coffee, thousands of family caregivers have already managed medications, helped someone bathe, prepared meals, coordinated appointments and worried about what tomorrow will bring. Most of them don’t think of themselves as caregivers. They simply do what needs to be done.
But who is taking care of them?
Chances are this story is familiar to you — or to someone you know. According to AARP Delaware’s recent estimates, about 197,000 Delaware adults are family caregivers, meaning that 1 in 4 adults in the state provide unpaid care to older adults or someone living with a chronic illness or disability. These caregivers devote countless hours each year, helping loved ones remain at home and connected to their families and communities. Their contributions are invaluable, but they often come at significant personal costs.
Research shows that family caregivers experience significantly higher rates of stress, anxiety and depression than noncaregivers. Sleep disruption, chronic fatigue and social isolation are common and contribute to declining mental health. Many caregivers delay or skip their own medical appointments, exercise and preventive care because they are focused on someone else’s needs. Over time, that constant pressure can lead to caregiver burnout, making it harder to provide the quality care their loved ones deserve.
That’s why self-care isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity! Taking time to care for yourself doesn’t mean caring less about someone else. In fact, the opposite is true. When caregivers are supported, rested and emotionally healthy, they are better equipped to continue providing compassionate, high-quality care for the people who depend on them.
Recognizing this need is exactly why Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore is proud to host its 16th annual Caregiver Conference from 8:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Aug. 26 at the Rollins Center at Bally’s Dover, with a Zoom option for those who prefer to participate virtually. The conference is free and brings together hundreds of family caregivers and more than 50 exhibitors offering information, services and resources to support caregivers throughout Delaware.
This year’s theme, “Taking Care of You,” underscores an important message: Caring for yourself is one of the most effective ways to care for someone else. Participants will learn practical strategies for managing caregiving challenges, while connecting with professionals and organizations dedicated to helping them navigate their journeys. Caregivers will hear from keynote speaker Heather Volkema of Trualta. Through Delaware’s DelaCARES program, powered by Trualta and offered through the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, family caregivers have access to a free online platform that provides education, training, practical caregiving skills and resources to help them care for loved ones, while protecting their own well-being.
Easterseals case managers will be on hand to share information about our programs designed specifically to ease the demands of caregiving. Those supports include Adult Day Health Services, which provide individualized care in a safe, engaging environment, while giving caregivers time to work, attend appointments or recharge. Eligible caregivers can also learn about our Personal Attendant Services and the Lifespan Respite Program, which offers grants to cover the cost of temporary respite care, as well as assistive technology and funding options that can make caregiving safer, easier and more sustainable.
If you’re one of the thousands of Delawareans caring for a spouse, parent, child, neighbor or friend, I hope you’ll join us Aug. 26 at the 16th annual Caregiver Conference. You’ll leave with practical tools, trusted resources and the reassurance that you don’t have to navigate caregiving alone. And, if you know someone who is a caregiver, share this opportunity with him or her. Sometimes, the greatest gift we can give caregivers is permission — and the support — to take care of themselves. After all, when caregivers are healthier, everyone benefits. To learn more, go to demd.easterseals.com and follow the Caregiver Conference link to register.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
