November marks National Family Caregivers Month (NFCM), a time to recognize and honor family caregivers across the nation. NFCM is an opportunity to raise awareness of caregiving issues, educate our communities, and increase support for families.
For individuals who take on the responsibility of caring for another person, it can often be challenging to see beyond the individual experience. Family caregivers—whether they be families of kin or families of choice—are woven into the fabric of America’s health, social, economic, and long-term services and supports systems. As the country continues to age, the need to support caregivers as the cornerstone of society will only become more and more important.
Today, more than 1 in 5 Americans are caregivers, having provided care to an adult or child with special needs at some time in the past 12 months (NAC, 2020). This means more than 53 million people provide care for a chronically ill, disabled, or aged family or friend during any given year (NAC, 2020).
Resources to Support Family Caregivers
For more information on caregiver issues, support, and additional resources check out a few of the following programs and agencies below. Whether you are a caregiver to a service member, veteran, aging adult, or individual with disabilities, there are programs that offer support and assistance. Don’t wait, get connected today.
- Military Families Learning Network – Military Caregiving
- VA Caregiver Support Program
- Family Caregiver Alliance – Services by State
- Caregiver Action Network – Family Caregiver Toolbox
- AARP Family Caregiving
- Powerful Tools for Caregivers
Reference
National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) and AARP. Caregiving in the U.S. 2020.
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