Caregiver Appreciation Day: A celebration of selflessness

Have you lent a listening ear this year? Have you made a meal for someone who couldn’t make it themselves? In addition to your own full-time job, have you helped organize someone else’s transportation, nutrition, medication, healthcare, or finances? Some caregivers do some of these things, and some do ALL of these things. Most of us will be caregivers at some point in our lives. The sacrifice of caregivers is astounding—yet most ask for nothing in return.

November is National Family Caregivers Month: a month to recognize and thank the more than 43 million caregivers in the United States who provide physical, emotional, logistical, and financial support for their loved ones. The care you offer is immeasurable.

Keeping caregivers in the conversation

As critical as a caregiver’s role in a person’s treatment journey can be, they are often overlooked. Family caregivers are present at appointments, sitting in waiting rooms, and carrying the burden right alongside those who are diagnosed with illness. Often, they are the ones administering treatment to their loved ones.

Because of their integral role, it’s essential that we involve caregivers in designing novel solutions as we seek to improve patient outcomes. Can we truly claim to be “patient-centric” if we do not seek the perspectives of their patients’ closest companions?

By listening to and co-creating with caregivers, we have renewed passion to bring forward solutions that truly advance holistic care.

Caring for those with serious mental illness (SMI)

Especially near to my heart are caregivers for those living with serious mental illness (SMI). They play a fundamental role in enabling patients to access treatment and support. In addition, they stand alongside their loved ones during the most irrational, dark, and terrifying moments of their lives, offering guidance and protection. SMI caregivers fight stigma, pessimism, worry, and inconceivable levels of fear every day—often for their own safety or the safety of their loved one. Periods of transition can be particularly taxing. Moving a loved one into an assisted living center or rehabilitation facility can be tumultuous.

Witnessing a loved one’s anguish every day can lead to immense emotional and mental health challenges. SMI caregivers are some of the strongest people amongst us. To those caregivers who may read this—know that we see you, we hear you, and we care deeply about improving the lives of your loved ones who are suffering.

Promoting caregiver mental health

It’s no surprise that the stress of a caregiver’s role often leads to caregiver burnout and utter exhaustion. Their tremendous level of responsibility takes an overwhelming physical and mental toll, and can cause caregivers to sacrifice their own well-being. During all stages of their journeys, we must encourage all caregivers to prevent and combat burnout by nurturing their own physical and mental health. In addition to promoting self-care, caregivers can look into joining support groups and getting help with daily tasks. Otsuka employees have access to a robust caregiver assistance program to help alleviate the pressure of juggling their role with a full-time job. By promoting a caregiver’s well-being, we promote the well-being of the person they care for as well. I have personally seen the benefits of this chain of wellness.

We have so much to learn

Besides the patients themselves, nobody is more knowledgeable about a person’s treatment journey than the caregivers who join them on it. We have a duty to learn from their toughest struggles and deepest wishes, and to respond accordingly in service.

By offering to help the caregivers you know, volunteering with local organizations, or donating to caregiver advocacy groups, you can give caregivers the help they deserve. Next time you encounter a caregiver in your life, I invite you to consider the strain they may be under—and, when possible, do what you can to lend a hand.

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