When Is National Caregivers Day?
This year’s National Caregivers Day is celebrated on Friday, February 21st; this special recognition day is always held on the third Friday of February. The day offers an opportunity for caregivers to be acknowledged and recognized for their profession’s dedication and hard work.
The National Appreciation Day was established in 2015 by the Providers Association for Home Health and Hospice Agencies to recognize the tireless work caregivers, both professional and family members, do in patient’s homes, long-term care facilities, and hospice programs.
In this blog, East Ohio College recognizes the importance of caregivers’ responsibilities, ways to thank them for their hard work, and the pathways to becoming a caregiver through one of EOC’s healthcare training programs. Keep reading to learn more about the essential work of a caregiver!
Who Are Caregivers?
Typically, caregivers are medical professionals who work in long-term care facilities, hospices, or home health agencies. This includes home health aids, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, medical assistants, and therapists. However, the term caregiver is broad and also includes family members who have not been professionally trained but take care of their loved ones by providing other forms of care. A caregiver’s diverse responsibilities and skills make it possible for anyone to care for patients and loved ones.
“There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.” – Rosalynn Carter.
What Do Caregivers Do?
Because caregiving is a broad term, the duties of an individual caregiver will vary based on their level of training, the type of environment they work in, their employer, and other factors. For example, a home health nurse can administer medications, check vital signs, provide wound care, and perform other tasks requiring formal medical training. Meanwhile, a family member may focus on more personal tasks, like household management, feeding, helping with daily tasks, and emotional support. Family members who act as caregivers must balance their personal lives with caregiving responsibilities, often leading to sacrifices to care for their loved ones in difficult circumstances.
One common professional caregiving position is a medical assistant. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics~, the need for qualified medical assistants is expected to grow 15% from 2023 to 2033. Medical assistants and other medical professionals are essential in ensuring their patients are cared for with comfort and dignity.
How To Celebrate National Caregivers Day
Caregivers spend a significant amount of time putting other’s needs before their own. That’s why it is crucial that caregivers, both professionals and family members, take time to prioritize themselves and know their value. Below are three simple ways to celebrate National Caregivers Day and show a caregiver in your life that they are valued.
- Listen To Them
Caregivers dedicate themselves and their time to caring for patients or loved ones in long-term care or who are chronically ill. While rewarding, this path can also be emotionally taxing. Listening to a caregiver and validating their feelings can help them avoid emotional burnout and let them know they are appreciated.
- Write A Heartfelt Note
A simple “thank you” is an easy way to make someone feel appreciated. Writing a handwritten note or card showcasing your gratitude to a caregiver is a simple way to brighten their day.
- Offer A Gift of Appreciation
Finally, you can show a caregiver how much you appreciate them by giving them a small gift, like their favorite snack or drink, a gift card, or flowers.
How To Become A Caregiver with East Ohio College
As the healthcare industry grows, the need for qualified medical professionals is at an all-time high. There is increasing demand for caregivers of all types as the aging population requires more medical care.
East Ohio College offers online, hybrid healthcare training in essential professions, including nursing, medical assisting, medical coding, dental assisting, and medical office administration. These programs are an excellent option for those looking for accelerated, hands-on training that prepares them for industry-specific certifications* and licensure exams^.
Get started today on the path to becoming a medical caregiver with the help of East Ohio College’s associate degree and diploma programs. Request information today to take the next step toward your healthcare career!
~BLS statistics are national averages. Employment growth will vary by state and region and should be considered before making an enrollment decision.
*Certification is contingent upon passing the corresponding industry-specific certification exam.
^Passing the NCLEX-RN examination is required to become a Registered Nurse.