What is National Family Caregivers Month, and How Can You Get Involved?

Every single day, thousands of caregivers around the country care for those that are elderly or ill. By devotedly giving baths, cleaning homes, and providing healthcare services to those in need, caregivers play a vital role in our society. Without them, those most in need would be left out in the cold. To honor the great work they do, the whole month of November is dedicated to supporting their hard work. Here at TruCare Home Care, we want to let you know how you can help celebrate these great people and the amazing work they do every day. Here are a few facts about caregiving in the US and how you can get involved in National Family Caregivers Month.

Quick Caregiver Facts

• Caregivers are not only professional caregivers. They are also parents, spouses, and other loved ones that care for others.

• There are over 40 million caregivers across the country.

• According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), 24% of caregivers are 18-34 years old, 23% are 35-49, 34% are 50-64, 12 are 56-74, and 7% are 75 or older.

• In the US, over 45% of caregivers for people with mental illness are parents.

• There will be a growing need for caregivers as the average age of the US population continues to increase.

There are many things you can do to help support caregivers in the US. Below are just a few suggestions for how you can do your part.

1. Download the National Alliance for Caregiving’s “Circle of Care” Guidebook

The Circle of Care Guidebook is a great resource to learn about what caregivers do, how you can care for yourself or a loved one, and how to get involved with local community efforts to support caregivers. Download this free resource HERE and learn more about caregivers near you.

2. Find the Nearest Caregiving Workshop or Community Event

Check whether any workshops or community events are happening in your area. Many associations and other caregiving organizations will be holding events as part of their National Family Caregivers Month celebrations. Whether it’s a bake sale, socially distanced drop-in event, or an online training course, these are all great ways to get involved in caregiving in your local community.

3. Make Time for “You Time”

If you are a caregiver, you must take a rest when you can. National Family Caregivers Month is the perfect time to realize the necessity of taking regular breaks from the hard work that caregiving entails. Take time to recuperate by taking a nap, going for a walk, or watching one of your favorite movies. If you’re a caregiver, this is your month, so it’s time to take some “you time”.

Caregivers provide one of the most important services in US society. They ensure that family members that need extra care able to live full and dignified lives. National Family Caregivers Month celebrates the vital role that caregivers play in modern everyday life. We must celebrate their contribution that is so often be overlooked.

Here at TruCare Home Care, we know just how hard caregivers work to really make a difference to our country. If you’d like to find out how we are honoring caregivers during National Family Caregivers Month, give us a call at 833-878-2273!