National Caregivers Day calls attention to the importance of caregiving and the significant roles caregivers play in supporting individuals in need, including those with chronic illnesses.

The role of caregiving extends far beyond traditional healthcare settings, encompassing a variety of roles. These include family caregivers, professional caregivers, independent caregivers, private-duty caregivers, and informal caregivers. Despite their critical contributions, many of these individuals carry out their duties without compensation, highlighting the importance of acknowledging and honoring their enduring devotion.

The typical caregiver in the U.S. today is often a woman balancing caregiving duties with employment and potentially caring for multiple individuals. On average, caregivers incur more than $7,000 in out-of-pocket expenses. Recognizing the value of caregivers, a bipartisan group in Congress recently introduced The Credit for Caring Act to alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with caregiving.

Being a caregiver usually involves many duties, from providing direct personal assistance to overseeing household affairs, facilitating social interactions, and coordinating healthcare services. Even without formal training, caregivers show unwavering dedication and selflessness in tackling unfamiliar challenges and tasks, providing essential physical and emotional support to those they care for.

For caregivers to be their best, they must remember to care for themselves. Self-care is a critical aspect of being a good caregiver. Here’s a list of a few tips to help the caregiver with self-care.

If you know a caregiver, today is a great day to thank them and recognize ways you can help lift them as they support their loved ones.

A few ideas to observe the day and recognize the caregivers around you include:

• Donate to an organization of the caregiver’s choice. Honoring a caregiver with a donation in their name can show your recognition of their work and benefit your community.
• Write your acknowledgment in a letter. Your affirmation can go a long way toward bringing pleasure and raising a caregiver’s confidence.
• Give a small gift of comfort to the caregiver. A book, baked goods, hand lotion, or candles can bring a moment of peace and comfort for themselves.
• Provide an opportunity for respite care for the caregiver. Offer to care for the caregiver’s loved one for an afternoon to allow them to rest and take time for themselves.

Ohio’s Hospice thanks caregivers from all walks of life who offer care and support to friends, neighbors or loved ones.