Introduction
In the United States, national caregivers day will be celebrated this year on Friday, February 21, 2025. It’s a day to acknowledge and honor the contributions of caregivers to their families, communities, and the healthcare system.
Caregivers in broader terms are someone who provides care to those who require assistance in taking care of themselves. Children, the elderly, and people with disabilities or chronic illnesses are a few examples. Health care providers, relatives, friends, social workers, or church members can all be considered caregivers. They might provide care in a hospital or other healthcare facility, or they might do it at home.
Continue reading this blog to know more about caregiver types, history of the caregiver’s day, why we celebrate this day, and how we can celebrate this day to appreciate their services in best possible way.
Types of Caregivers
There are two types of caregivers:
1. Informal Caregivers or Family Caregivers:
A caregiver, sometimes known as an informal caregiver, is an unpaid person who helps others with everyday activities and/or medical duties. Examples of these people include spouses, partners, family members, friends, and neighbors.
They usually do not need formal training and can be called family caregivers.
Parenting also comes under caregiving, and those caregiving responsibilities include:
- Personal Care & Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), e.g., dressing, grooming, feeding, mobility assistance, etc.
- Medical support includes supervision of medication, vital signs monitoring, etc.
- Household management includes liaison with other caregivers or family members at home, preparing healthy meals, paying bills, and creating a safe space at home.
2. Formal or Professional Caregivers:
Paid care providers that offer in-home or in-care settings such as daycare, residential facility, long-term care facility are known as formal caregivers.
Those caregivers who come under formal or professional caregivers require professional training, including nurses, therapists, home health aides, direct support professionals, and hospice workers.
History For National Caregivers Day
It’s important to know there is an agency named Providers Association for Home Health and Hospice Agencies (PAHHHA), inaugurated in 2015 National Caregivers Day. The purpose was to establish a dedicated day to recognize and celebrate the efforts of professional caregivers, such as nurses, therapists, and home health aides, along with caregivers who 24/7 support their loved ones.
Every year, this day has been celebrated as a reminder to serve caregivers financially, emotionally, and through government-formed public policies in the USA.
Why celebrate National Caregivers Day?
- To celebrate the tireless services of caregivers.
- To recognize, appreciate, and celebrate the invaluable contributions of caregivers.
- To facilitate the well-being of caregivers.
Also Read: World Mental Health Day 2023: A Call to Action for Mental Health Conditions
How can you celebrate National Caregivers Day?
- Appreciate their efforts by saying “Thank you”.
- Recognize their unpaid services and meaningful contributions by paying sincere “Gratitude” in the form of a letter.
- To encourage caregivers by facilitating them with meaningful titles as they provide their selfless service every year.
- To express your support and let people know what a fantastic job caregivers are doing, create some buzz about them on social media. Remember to use #NationalCaregiversDay as a hashtag.
Caregivers beyond daily responsibilities
The role of the caregivers is beyond handling daily responsibilities; it demands emotional preparedness and practical confidence.
Have you ever heard,
“The person who has supported everyone else needs someone to support them too, sometimes.”
This statement is justified in the case of caregivers because they navigate the journey with strength and confidence and provide individuals with support, guidance, and empathy.
On this National Caregivers Day, we acknowledge the selfless services of caregivers on behalf of countless individuals who are served by caregivers on their life-limiting illnesses.
Theme for National Caregivers Day 2025
The theme for this year’s national caregivers day in the USA is “Celebrating the Unsung Heroes: Recognizing and Supporting Caregivers Everywhere”.
It highlights the often-unseen dedication of caregivers and stresses the significance of giving them the acknowledgment and support they need by promoting following attributes:
- Gratitude and appreciation: Stress how important caregivers are to families and communities.
- Inclusivity: Recognize all caregivers, including long-term care providers, family members, and professional caregivers.
- Well-being: Stress the value of caregivers’ support networks and self-care to preserve their health.
Frequently Answered Questions
What can be the best gift for a caregiver?
As the caregiving job is very overwhelming, they seek relaxation, so a good spa day with aromatherapy and massage therapy can be the most pampering gift for them.
How to recognize the stress of a caregiver?
One can recognize signs including worry, tiredness, loss of weight, mood swings, and disturbed sleep patterns.
Why should caregivers be honored?
- Caregivers should be honored so they can continue maintaining their clients’ health, dignity, and quality of life.
- Honoring caregivers recognizes their role in enabling individuals to stay at home, reducing the strain on healthcare services.
- Whether informal or professional, caregivers play a vital role in society, often serving as a lifeline for those unable to care for themselves.
- Maintaining continuity of care is essential for recovering from or managing chronic diseases, which relies on the support of caregivers; therefore, it is important to honor them.
Revive’s Tribute to all Caregivers
Revive Research Institute is a clinical research institute with locations across multiple US states like Michigan, Illinois, and Arizona, where it is playing its part in potentially improving community outcomes, our caregivers ensure to promote accessible, evidence-based care.
The commitment, tenacity, and kindness of caregivers worldwide are recognized and celebrated at Revive. The people who rely on you greatly benefit from your steadfast support and selfless care. We honor your dedication, your selflessness, and the love you put into every act of care today and always. Your efforts are noticed, respected, and greatly appreciated; you are not alone.
Conclusion
National caregivers’ day recognizes and uplifts both family and professional caregivers, boosting their confidence and sense of accomplishment. Acknowledgment reassures them that their dedication and support are valued and celebrated by the community. Given their numerous responsibilities, it is essential to appreciate their selfless service and advocate for government-backed mental health support, resources, and respite care to ease their burden.
