National family caregiver appreciation month at MAC Inc.

WICOMICO COUNTY, Md. — November marks National Family Caregiver Appreciation Month.

Up to 24 percent of Marylanders serve as caregivers for their loved ones.

Dorina Adams with AARP said, “It may be that you’re actually providing some hands-on care, assisting with something like a shower, or it may be providing meals, or providing transportation.”

Felicia Cosby, a caregiver for several family members including her aunt, said being a caregiver requires a “sixth sense.”

“You always have to be aware of what your loved one is doing when you’re sleeping. You really don’t sleep as hard as maybe you would if no one was there, because you’re always listening,” Cosby said.

She added that events like these offer caregivers a chance to take time for themselves.

“It was about getting us all together and just being able to network with each other and talk about what’s going on and how we feel about what we’re dealing with,” she said.

Whether it’s through cooking activities or tai chi, Cosby found the experience valuable.

“I needed to do some movement. So it was great to just be able to move and learn different things. And do you know that I could do them with her as well?”

Cosby recommends that caregivers take time for themselves and find support from the people around them.