We’re already in the second month of 2025! Usually following the Christmas decoration clearance sales, the heart-shaped chocolate boxes, cards, and stuffed animals appear immediately on store shelves, signaling that Valentine’s Day is approaching. However, Valentine’s Day, despite its notoriety, is not the only holiday that falls during the month of February. Do you know we observe National Caregivers Day yearly on the third Friday of February? This year, we will celebrate it on Friday, February 21st.
National Caregivers Day was founded only recently in 2015 by the Providers Association for Home Health & Hospice Agencies. This day celebrated all types of caregivers (e.g. family caregiver, professional caregiver, independent caregiver, private duty caregiver, and informal caregiver) who provide emotional support, physical help, and personal care to millions of adults and children around the country every year. Some tasks performed by caregivers may include, but are not limited to, grooming, feeding, dressing, bathing, walking, cleaning, doing the laundry, monitoring medication(s), shopping, cooking special meals, coordinating visits with physicians, and managing finances. It’s also important to note that 53 million caregivers in the US cared for an adult or child without pay in 2020. Also, unsurprisingly, most caregivers are female.
With improved access to healthcare, medicine and vaccines; better understanding of hygiene; and safer and cleaner sources of water and food, life expectancy has increased over the decades. Many women commonly balance caring for their kids and aging parents. Add in the day-to-day responsibilities of managing a household, nurturing a relationship with your spouse/significant other, and holding down a part-time or full-time job, and the mental load has just exploded exponentially!
We often overlook caregivers, who are heroes, and should applaud their commitment, kindness, and efforts. There are several ways to show appreciation for a caregiver on National Caregivers Day this year, which can include writing a letter or card to express thanks; a gift card to their favorite restaurant or to a local spa; or donating to their favorite charity if gift-giving is not permitted. Any token of gratitude, big or small, would surely be appreciated and valued.
So, when Friday February 21st approaches this year, I hope you take the time to identify a caregiver you may know that deserves to be recognized on this special day.
