November is National Family Caregivers Month

November 2, 2010

For sixteen years, American Presidents have been celebrating, honoring, and recognizing family caregivers across America during the month of November-National Family Caregivers Month. 

Currently, more than 65 million Americans provide care for family members or friends who are aging, have a disability or have a chronic-illness.  Family caregivers help their loved ones by providing a range of care from everyday tasks such as cleaning and cooking to transportation to medical appointments, help with medication management, and personal care. 

The “free” care provided by family caregivers to aging adults was valued at around $375 billion in 2009.  This care is instrumental in helping individuals to remain in their homes and communities safely.  The Administration on Aging’s FY 2011 budget requested $102.5 million to be directed to the Caregiver Initiative, including $50 million to support caregiver services and temporary respite care and $50 million for HCBS services geared toward helping family caregivers.  

National Family Caregivers Month is a time to thank and support family caregivers who play a vital role in the lives of so many individuals.  Click here for the Presidential Proclamation concerning National Family Caregivers Month.

If your state is working on any innovative programming concerning family caregivers, please send a brief description to kwalter@nasuad.org.