Disability in Agriculture

Caring for loved ones is an important part of family life. For many agricultural families this means balancing the responsibilities on the farm with caring for an aging parent, a spouse with a chronic condition, or a child with a disability. November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to recognize agricultural workers who care for loved ones while managing farm responsibilities.

Are you a caregiver?

Most people who provide care for a loved one don’t think of themselves as caregivers. They simply see themselves as spouses, partners, children, or friends helping someone they love.

Caregiving can involve a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Helping with daily activities such as dressing or preparing meals.
• Providing transportation to appointments.
• Managing medical care and financial responsibilities.
• Providing emotional support and companionship.

Recognizing yourself as a caregiver is an important first step toward finding support.

Taking Care of Yourself While Caring for Others

Balancing caregiving with work on the farm can be challenging. Long hours, physical demands, and limited access to services in rural areas can add stress and leave little time for rest. While caregivers often put others first, taking care of their own health is just as important. Here are a few ways to make caregiving easier:

• Know your limits and ask for help. Pay attention when you feel tired or overwhelmed. Family, friends, or community groups may be able to help with meals, transportation, or provide respite.
• Take time to rest. Respite care provides short-term help so you can take a break. Taking time to rest helps prevent burnout, reduces stress, and gives you the energy to continue caring for your loved one.
• Plan. Try to schedule appointments around busy farm seasons and have a backup plan when unexpected needs come up.
• Stay safe at work. Being tired or stressed can increase the risk of injuries. Take breaks and avoid using farm equipment when you are too tired to work safely.

Resources for Caregivers

If you’re caring for a loved one, these programs offer information, services and support.

• California Caregiver Resource Centers - Offers caregiver support groups, education, counseling, and help finding short-term care services. There are 11 centers serving families across California.¹
• California Department of Aging - Helps older adults and caregivers find local services, including meal programs, transportation, caregiver support, and other resources.²
• Family Caregiver Alliance - Provides helpful information, classes, and resources for people caring for adults with health conditions or disabilities.³
• U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Program of General Caregiver Services - Provides support for people caring for Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare. Services include caregiver training, support groups, one-on-one coaching, and help finding resources. The program helps caregivers manage stress, learn new skills, and care for their own well-being.⁴

If you know someone caring for a loved one, reach out and ask how they’re doing and share these resources. Caregivers are often so focused on caring for others that their own well-being can go unnoticed. This November, take a moment to thank the caregivers in your community and remember the importance of caring for yourself, too.