Page 108 - South Mississippi Living - November, 2021

GOLDEN YEARS
AWARENESS
MONTH story by Victoria Snyder
very day, people across the country are taking care of
their family members who need help in some way.
Approximately 53 million people give care to their
parents, siblings, spouses, and others because of the love they have for them.
November is Caregiver Awareness Month, which is meant to
bring light to these millions of Americans’ situations. People go
to work and then go home, or to their family member’s house, to make sure that their loved one is doing well. They may have to help their loved one around the house, help them bathe, or just visit to give their loved one someone to talk to. This can put a strain on the caregiver’s work and personal life and can take a financial, physical,
and emotional toll. Acknowledging the everyday
heroes in our lives is incredibly important. Whether you know
a caregiver or have a caregiver, make sure you let them know that they are appreciated. If you are a caregiver, make sure to take some time for yourself.
To raise awareness for professional and nonprofessional caregivers of all kinds, Mississippi Heroes will be having a Mississippi Heroes Celebration on November 6 at the Bay St. Louis Train
Depot Grounds. Events include
an antique car show, live music,
a pastalaya/jambalaya cookoff, and a 5K race/fun run. A variety of exhibitors and vendors will be there, along with a kid’s area. For more information, visit www.mississippiheroes.org.
THE CAREGIVERS IN YOUR LIFE
Simply tell them thank you! Whether that be in person, in a text, or in a card, let them know how much you appreciate them.
Gift cards are always handy. Maybe it’s a late night and they don’t feel like cooking after such a busy day – thanks to you, they’ll be able to pick up food from their favorite restaurant.
Ask about them and how they are doing. They may feel as though they are defined by the one they care for, so letting them know you care about them can help them feel like they have a life outside of their caregiving.
If you are able, see if there is anything you can do to help! Whether that be giving the caregiver a day off and helping their loved one around the house or letting them have a night out by offering to babysit their children.
108 | November 2021
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Caregiver E
How to Thank