By Irene Clemente, National Family Caregivers Association
National Family Caregivers Month-observed every November-is a nationally recognized month that seeks to draw attention to the many challenges facing family caregivers, advocate for stronger public policy to address family caregiving issues and raise awareness about community programs that support family caregivers.
It has been said that there are only four kinds of people in the world-those who have been caregivers, those who currently are caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregivers. Unfortunately, this is not an exaggeration.
According to the National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA), over 50 million people are family caregivers in any given year. A family caregiver is defined as someone who cares for a chronically ill, disabled or elderly loved one.
In fact, there is not going to be a family in America that isn’t impacted by caregiving at one time or another. Currently, more than 50 million family caregivers support our healthcare system by providing care that is the equivalent of a half-time job. These services are valued at more than $306 billion.
During National Family Caregivers Month, celebrate family caregivers by actively helping a caregiving family you know. We want to raise public awareness about the issues surrounding family caregiving. It is important that we take action and do something to help.
Think of a family caregiver you know, whether a neighbor, relative, co-worker, or friend and offer them a helping hand. Be specific – offer a ride to church, a nourishing meal, or a free afternoon. Just a little bit of help makes a big difference for family caregivers.
Irene Clemente is a Long Beach resident and the California state representative for Caregiver Community Action Network and the National Family Caregivers Association.
