JFS Tributes- September 2026
Supporting Those Who Care for Others
By Howard Olshansky
November is National Family Caregivers Month. Caregiving is one of the most meaningful ways we can support the people we love. Whether caring for an aging parent, a spouse with a chronic illness, a child with special needs, or a family member with a disability, caregivers provide essential emotional, physical, and practical support. However, while caregiving can bring a sense of purpose and fulfillment, it can also take a significant toll on their mental health. As the number of caregivers continues to grow, recognizing and addressing their emotional
well-being has become increasingly important.
The Growing Demands of Caregiving
Caregiving is a substantial part of American society. According to a 2025 report by AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving, approximately 63 million Americans, or nearly one in four adults, provide ongoing care to a family member or friend with a medical condition, disability, or age-related needs. This represents a 45 % increase since 2015. Nearly 30 % of caregivers are part of the“ sandwich generation,” simultaneously caring for children and adults, often while maintaining full-time employment. Additionally, more than 40 % of caregivers provide high-intensity care, frequently involving complex medical responsibilities.
These statistics illustrate that caregiving is no longer an occasional family responsibility. For millions of Americans, it is a demanding, long-term commitment that can affect nearly every aspect of daily life.
The Mental Health Challenges of Caregiving
The emotional demands of caregiving can be considerable. Caregivers often experience chronic stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness, and emotional exhaustion. The constant responsibility of managing another person’ s needs, making difficult decisions, and anticipating future challenges can leave caregivers feeling overwhelmed.
One of the most common concerns is caregiver burnout. This occurs when prolonged physical
and emotional demands exceed a person’ s ability to cope. Caregivers may experience sleep disturbances, irritability, difficulty concentrating, loss of interest in activities, and feelings of helplessness. Some experience guilt when they become frustrated or resentful, particularly when caring for someone they deeply love.
The 2025 AARP and National Alliance for Caregiving report found that nearly two-thirds of caregivers experience moderate or high emotional stress, while approximately one in five report fair or poor health. Half caregivers also report negative financial effects related to caregiving, adding another source of anxiety and uncertainty.
Caregivers may also experience social isolation. Time spent providing care can limit opportunities to maintain friendships, participate in community activities, or pursue personal interests. Over time, this loss of social connection can intensify feelings of loneliness and contribute to declining mental health.
Recognizing the Importance of Self-Care
Caregivers frequently prioritize the needs of others at the expense of their own well-being. They may postpone medical appointments, neglect exercise, sacrifice sleep, or feel that taking time for themselves is selfish. However, self-care is not a luxury; it is an essential part of sustaining the ability to care for others.
Establishing boundaries, accepting help from family and friends, and taking advantage
The Charlotte Jewish News- November 2026- Page 33 of respite care can help reduce stress. Even small activities, such as taking a walk, spending time with friends, or enjoying a personal hobby, can provide emotional relief. Caregivers should also recognize when they need professional support. Counseling and support groups can provide a safe environment to discuss difficult emotions, develop coping strategies, and connect with others who understand their experiences.
Building a Community That Supports Caregivers
Caregiving should not be an isolated responsibility. Families, employers, healthcare providers, and community organizations all have a role in supporting caregivers. Flexible work arrangements, caregiver education, access to affordable respite services, and mental health resources can help ease the burden.
Organizations that provide mental health services can play an important role by offering caregiver support groups, educational programs, counseling, and referrals to community resources. Equally important is creating an environment in which caregivers feel comfortable acknowledging their struggles without fear of judgment. Caring for the Caregiver Caregiving can be an expression of love, compassion, and commitment, but it should not come at the expense of one’ s mental health. Recognizing the emotional challenges of caregiving is the first step toward ensuring that caregivers receive the support they need.
As caregiving becomes an increasingly important part of American society, we must expand the conversation beyond those receiving care to include those providing it. Supporting caregivers is not simply an act of kindness; it is an investment in the health and well-being of families and communities. When we care for caregivers, we help ensure that they, too, have the opportunity to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
JFS Tributes- September 2026
For a Speedy Recovery of Donald Jacobs Paul and Lynn Edelstein
Happy Birthday Jennifer Golynsky Drew and Becca Green Ron and Janice Weiner
In Memory of Mike Diamond Stanley Greenspon
Jean Finkelstein Robin Finkelstein
Barbara Goldberg Sam Goldberg
Stuart Hennes Paulette Cohen Jack and Suzie DeSarno Harriet Ehrlich Lisa Ehrlich Stanley Greenspon Margie Levenson Helene Levine Hal and Holly Levinson
Jack and Alison Levinson The Normans Richard Osborne Mark and Harriet Perlin Judi Strause
Marcelle Oxman Stanley Greenspon Margie Levenson Helene Levine Matthew Luftglass and Meg Goldstein Mark and Harriet Perlin Gary Silverstein Paul and Marcia Simon Ron and Janice Weiner
Lois Schneider Gary Silverstein
Marcia Stern Stanley Greenspon
Mazel Tov Danny and Fayne Fischer on the birth of their grandson Steve and Susan Meyer
JFS Acknowledgements- September 2026
Volunteers: Brian Ablitz, Russ Ackerman, Jessica Alfandary, Marcia Arnholt, Mike Arnholt, Daniel Benjamin, Andrew Bernstein, Michael Broudy, Dan Coblenz, Jonathan Collman, Judy Conley, Andrea Cronson, Erica Davison, Julie Dermack, Joni Deutsch, Sheryl Effren, Rachel Friedman, Meredith Gartner, Marty Goldfarb, Blair Goldsmith, Joann Goldstein, Leon Golynsky, Daryl Greenberg, Gail Halverson, June Hirschmann, Rebecca Hockfield, Bob Jacobson, Pete Katz, Jennifer Koss, Stephanie Kreitman, Glenn Kunkes, Marcia Lampert, Eric Lerner, Adina Loewensteiner, Susie and Dan Meier, Terry Meyers, Frada Mozenter, Barbara Rein, Nina Rose, Cindy Siesel, Stuart Singer, Louis Sinkoe, Lisa Somerson, Lauren Stark, Philip Stark, Lorin Stiefel, Nancy Wielunski, Amanda Zaidman Hadassah Meal Preppies Denise Abadi, Geneva Boxer, Lee Diamond, June and Paul Hirschmann, Judy Kaufmann, Penny Krieger, Mary Jane and Rob Rosenthal, Andrea Schewitz, Elissa Vining, Johnson & Wales University Students Rosh Hashanah Thanks: Shai Fargian and Yafo Kitchen for providing holiday meals, Ron Nadel and Golden Grain for donating challah, Chabad Kitchen of Kindness for baking honey cakes, Charlotte Jewish Day School for making cards and donating apples, Ballantyne Jewish Center for baking challah, Lauren Stark for baking rugelach, Temple Israel Men’ s Club for donating challah, Charlotte Jewish Preschool for making cards and donating apples. Rosh Hashanah Deliveries to Seniors: Jessica Alfandary, Russ Ackerman, Michael Broudy, Charlotte Jewish Day School, Dan Coblenz, Melissa Dadouch, Erica Davison, Kenaz Flores, Marty Goldfarb, Daryl Greenberg, Pete Katz, Fred Kraus, Jen Kurceski, Marcia Lampert, Terry Meyers, Rachel Montgomery, Vlad Plotkin, Alison Shay, Lauren Stark, Hannah Zeidstein Food Drives: Jon Berger and Temple Israel High Holiday Food Drive Special Thanks: Partnership- 2Gether Hadera-Eiron-SE Consortium Teens for help sorting groceries. Kevin Levine and Richard Goldsmith for help with food drive. Food Pantry Donations: Thank you to our generous community for continuing to donate to the food pantry. We collect donations every other Wednesday at the Blumenthal Center for Jewish Education Building Portico at Shalom Park. Also, please look for our donation box in the new security entrance of The Levine JCC. Special Thanks: Shalom Green and their volunteers for supplying the JFS Food pantry with fresh produce for our clients