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What is National Family Caregivers Month?
National Family Caregivers Month is an annual national observance
that recognizes the unselfish and loving devotion of caregivers who devote
their time, energy, and support to help loved ones with disabilities or
chronic illnesses live in their communities. The first National Family
Caregivers Month was observed in November 2000, as a result of a proclamation
issued by the President of the United States.
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What is the purpose of this observance?
While being a family caregiver can be rewarding, it also can be challenging
and, sometimes, overwhelming. This observance seeks to inform people about
the available caregiving resources and information to help caregivers
cope with the stress caused by the physical and emotional demands of caring
for a loved one. The goal is to advocate for stronger public policy to
address family caregiving issues and to raise awareness about community
programs that support family caregivers.
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Who is the family caregiver?
Family caregivers can be spouses, parents, children, siblings, grandchildren,
and other family members. They are people who are willing to share their
time and nurturing skills with loved ones for no reward, other than improving
the quality of life for their loved ones. Family caregivers provide emotional
support that can be crucial to the health of the patient. They also provide
direct services that include transportation, grocery shopping, and household
chores and repairs. To assist loved ones with getting the services they
need, family caregivers also seek out information about resources such
as skilled health care professionals, medications, new treatment options,
and advocacy news.
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How many people are caregivers?
The National Family Caregivers Association provides the following
statistics about caregiving: More than 50 million people provide care
for a chronically ill, disabled, or aged family member or friend during
any given year. Caregiving is no longer predominantly a women’s issue—men
now make up 44 percent of the caregiving population. .
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What can be done to help family caregivers?
Health care providers can help family caregivers understand
the disability or illness of their family member—what they can expect
and how they can contribute to treatment. The community also can help
family caregivers by offering support groups that allow them to share
their experiences and techniques for coping with stress.
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