Office of Workforce Wellness

November – National Family Caregivers Month

November is National Family Caregivers Month in the United States, and it’s observed to call attention to the hard work of family caregivers across the country. National Family Caregivers Month raises awareness of the societal value provided by caregivers and the need for greater support (https://caregiverdoc.com/national-family-caregivers-month/). It is crucial for those in caregiving situations to remember the importance to take personal time for themselves and to practice “self-care.” Much like a battery, caregivers need to identify the small periods of time where they can relax and “recharge.” For ideas on self-care, as well as support and resources for being a caregiver, please contact Guidance Resources to request information which will be sent via email.

According to the National Council on Aging, more than 53 million people are providing unpaid care to a family member(s). Their services often make it possible for their loved ones to remain at home and usually fill a gap that would be astronomically expensive otherwise. The work can be tedious, repetitive, physically challenging, and emotionally straining, and for many caregivers, they sacrifice their own well-being to take care of their loved ones.

The 2022 National Family Caregiver Month presidential proclamation reads:

“Family caregivers are the backbone of our Nation’s long-term care system, doing essential work with devotion, often at great emotional and financial cost. We owe them. It is time to bring their service out of the shadows and celebrate and support them in living their own happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives.”

On-demand Recordings for Caring for the Caregiver:

• Caring for the Caregiver Part 1: Caring for Adult Loved Ones
• Caring for the Caregiver Part 2: Caring for Working Parents

State employees and their dependents have exceptional support through the EAP as well as the Health Care and Benefits Division. If you’re not sure where to start, email eap@mt.gov.

State of Montana Benefit Plan Members – click here for additional Wellness resources available for you!

Below are the training sessions scheduled in November and December.

All Employees – All Training Times are 12 – 1 P.M., MST Unless Designated

• November 5: Alzheimer’s Services (11 a.m. – 12 noon)
• November 19: Balancing Your Personal Life with The Needs Of Your Older Parents/Loved Ones
• November 26: Manager: Supporting Employees Well-Being: What Can You Do as A Manager
• December 3: Winter Blues, Isolation, and Strategies to Improve Resilience (10 – 11 a.m.)

Please visit the Office of Workforce Wellness for more EAP information.

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) helps you privately solve problems that may interfere with your work, family, and life in general. EAP services are FREE to you, your dependents, and all household members. EAP services are confidential and provided by experts.   

• Supervisor Orientation 
• Employee Orientation 

                                           How to Access Your EAP Resources

Call ComPsych GuidanceResources:  1-844-216-8709 (TTY: 1-800-697-0353)

• For dependent or household members (non-state employee), you will need to provide the first and last name of the employee who provided you with the GuidanceResources phone number.

Online:  guidanceresources.com (Web ID: BCBSMTEAP)

Mobile App:  GuidanceResources® Now (Web ID:  BCBSMTEAP)

Online Registration:  To complete the registration process for the online GuidanceResources, your identification number is located directly below your name on your Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana insurance card.  Although the identification number listed is 12 digits, ignore the first three characters and only enter the last nine numbers (Example:  U5S123456789), Web ID: BCBSMTEAP

Once you are registered, there are several ways to get connected with services. The chat function is available Monday- Friday 7:00 – 5:00  MST and is a great way to request an answer.

Questions:  Please email Ann Brewer, EAP Manager, at eap@mt.gov.

• Safety Plan & Instructions