Family Caregivers Month
November is recognized as National Family Caregivers Month — “a time to celebrate the contributions of caregivers, provide them with tools that they need, and continue to advocate for individuals with mental illness,” according to Mental Health America’s website.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, feelings of stress, worry and isolation may become familiar, and despite the current situation, the act of caregiving goes on.
The stress and challenges of the role of a caregiver can have a huge impact on the caregiver’s mental health, leading to more people in that role to experience depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, alcohol and drug addiction, and anxiety.
It is important for caregivers to take care of their own needs, too.
Supporting caregivers with information and resources can help them maintain their mental health and better serve loved ones with mental illness.
Be a SHINE volunteer
The SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Program is a statewide volunteer program that offers seniors, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers, free, unbiased counseling on Medicare, prescription drugs and other health insurance matters.
The SHINE SMP (Senior Medicare Patrol) Program educates beneficiaries on how to protect, detect and report suspected Medicare fraud, waste and abuse.
Individual volunteers complete professional training by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the local Area Agency on Aging; serve the community by educating others on an individual basis and through outreach events; and, gain knowledge about Medicare to benefit themselves and loved ones.
In order to participate, a volunteer application and online orientation must be completed.
To learn more, call (727) 217-8111, or visit FloridaShine.org and click on the Join Our Team link.
