Next month, November, is National Family Caregivers Month. The goal is to recognize and honor family caregivers across the country. 

There are more than 65 million family caregivers (50% increase since 2015) providing incredible services to family members that have various limitations due to illness, injury or disability. Family caregivers account for 90% of long-term care in America and we need to be educated about it. The Caregiver Aware campaign in Canada is an example of an initiative designed to raise awareness about the experiences of caregivers. This campaign highlights the importance of supporting caregivers and advocating for their needs. We certainly need to do more of this here in the US.

Caregivers, whether family members or trained professionals, play a vital, often underappreciated role in maintaining the health and dignity of those who cannot care for themselves due to age, illness, or disability. The care recipient may have physical or developmental disabilities, or any situation (permanent or temporary) that means they need some level of assistance with daily living activities and other aspects of life. This assistance can include support in areas such as mobility, communication, and participation in community activities. Clearly, weather the caregivers are family or professional, they need to be educated and we all need to be aware of the caregiving needs as well as our own needs.

Caregiving can be tedious, repetitive, physically challenging and emotionally straining. For many caregivers, they sacrifice their own well-being to take care of their loved one. Family caregivers are critical in the long-term care system. They provide essential services and devotion with potentially great emotional and financial expense. Nearly half of working caregivers report that caregiving expenses have depleted most, if not all, of their savings. A research project I did for Washoe County several years ago found that the county employees that were caregivers not only spent their own money providing care to a loved one but it cost the county $1 million a year in lost productivity while the caregivers were on the job. Even though it was presented to the county commissioners at the time, they did nothing.

Just because you’ve committed to caring for a parent or senior loved one doesn’t mean you can’t take a break. Respite care is short-term care, lasting anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks, that can be provided at a local senior living community or even in the home. Adult daycare is another similar option. These services allow family caregivers to “recharge” with the knowledge that their loved one is safe and sound.

Caregivers often experience high levels of stress and burnout due to the demands of their roles. Many family caregivers balance their caregiving duties with full-time jobs or raising children, making it difficult to prioritize their own well-being. Awareness campaigns aim to address these challenges and emphasize that caregivers do not have to face these burdens alone. It is important to note that each of us has limits and professional care may be critical. In addition, caregiver support groups may help provide emotional support and education.

Weather you are a personal caregiver for a loved one or a professional caregiver you need to be educated and aware of your own limits. Taking care of yourself is critical in providing care to others. Developing a plan of care spells out your, as well as others, roles and responsibilities. This can be critical in addressing the care of the recipient and the informal and formal caregiver providers. Once the plan of care is developed and you know your responsibilities it is important to document what works and what doesn’t. Since functional issues constantly change, the care plan needs adjusting. Review the caregiver duties regularly to determine what is working and what needs to be adapted. 

Caregivers need to seek self-care. Professional or personal caregivers need to integrate care in their own lives. They need to schedule breaks, seek support (e.g., support groups), use educational technology, and utilize respite services to take care of themselves. It is essential for communities, families, and policymakers to recognize and support the individuals who ensure 

 the well-being of their clients or their loved ones, often at great personal sacrifice. With increased awareness, resources, and societal support, caregivers can find the strength to continue their invaluable work.

Awareness and resources are key to sustaining caregivers and national organizations like AARP provide ongoing educational programs that deal with caregiving on many levels. For example, AARP Virtual Community Center provides free interactive online and in person events and classes designed to provide learning, self-improvement, and fun. 

National Family Caregivers Month also brings attention to the advocacy efforts aimed at improving conditions for caregivers. Organizations like the National Alliance for Caregiving and the Caregiver Action Network lobby for policies that recognize and alleviate the challenges caregivers face. Proposed policies include expanded financial aid, tax credits, and paid leave for caregivers to ensure they have the financial support needed to continue their vital work without sacrificing their well-being. What better way to add life to years.

Lawrence J. Weiss, Ph.D. is CEO of the Center for Healthy Aging. Dr. Weiss welcomes your comments on this column. Write to him at larryjweiss@gmail.com or c/o Center for Healthy Aging, 11 Fillmore Way, Reno, NV 89519.