Did you know that November is National Family Caregivers month? The Random Acts of Kindness initiative aims to not only recognize but also support the 40 million unpaid caregivers all across the U.S. Many of these caregivers are boomer women who are often at a crossroads and doing a tremendous job of juggling the needs of their parents and their own kids.

A popular misconception is that caregivers are paid medical professionals, providing full-time care to someone in need of daily help. That’s the fantasy. In reality, most caregivers are family members or friends who are also working and managing their own families at the same time. For many, the caregiving role starts with simple things like scheduling a doctor’s visit or helping with daily errands. Over time, that role gradually expands until it becomes a major commitment in their lives.

How can you help?

November was the kick-off for a great program designed to encourage all Americans to perform an unexpected ‘Random Act of Kindness’ for a caregiver to help raise awareness of caregiving and caregivers by starting a nationwide movement. At the same time, the initiative helps to reach caregivers directly—helping to alleviate some of their daily stresses and reward them for their incredible ongoing support.

Here’s a little more about Random Acts of Kindness for Caregivers:

• The ask is simple—identify someone in your life or in your community who is serving as a caregiver and do something nice for them. It doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive, just a small gesture that makes a caregiver’s life a little easier.
• We’re also asking that participants share their story. If they submit a 150 word or less summary of how they made a caregiver feel special along with a photo, they’ll be entered to win a cash prize from the $10,000 pot.

Almost three in ten people who are caring for someone say their life has changed with caregiving, oftentimes for the negative. More than one in five say their weight, their exercise, or their social life has/have suffered. Emotionally, one in five say they are generally unhappier, while one in three say they feel sad or depressed. That’s why AARP created a community where caregivers can connect with experts and other caregivers. There, they can find information and tools to take even better care of the person who once took care of them.

Do you know someone caring for a family member or friend? Surprise them with a Random Act of Kindness!

This is a sponsored post on behalf of Element Associates and Midlife Boulevard.