As we look to thank moms this weekend, I think we all know that we can’t even BEGIN to realize everything our moms have done for us. We only get a small taste of that when we do become parents ourselves. And – at least for me – I’m seeing that as my grandparents age, the tables are turned and I see my parents selflessly caring for their parents now.
I’m continually humbled and impressed by friends and family I see selflessly taking on the role of caregiver for family in need. I know with my grandmother, some days she doesn’t even realize all that is being done for her.
Caregivers everywhere deserve to be recognized for the important work that they do, and this Mother’s Day and Father’s Day remind us why it’s worth it. The AARP has started a fantastic campaign called the Thanks Project.
The Thanks Project is an online platform that enables caregivers to publicly recognize the parents whom they care for. Each individual ‘thanks’ will be integrated into the interactive tapestry, representing the 42 million caregivers in the US. It’s their goal to give caregivers some easy ways to honor the person who raised them.What a beautiful way to commemorate the parents and grandparents who raised us!
In addition, the AARP recognizes the tremendous toll caregiving can have on the caregiver. As caregivers deal with handling bills, helping with meals, driving to appointments, and the various struggles of aging, it can affect their own personal health and general wellbeing. To give caregivers the support they need, the AARP has compiled some very helpful resources, including:
- Prepare to Care (Caregiving Planning Guide for Families)
- 12 Resources Every Caregiver Should Know About
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