Statistics Paint a Picture of Family Caregiver Dedication

We’ve reached November. Cold weather also means fun and family in preparation for the holiday season. It’s time to reconnect with our loved ones and take some time off. But those who can’t necessarily take time off are family caregivers, who often have even more on their plates given the stress and chaos that can come along with the holidays.

In honor of Family Caregiving Month, we would like to recognize the self-less dedication that family caregivers exhibit every single day in providing care for our brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers and grandparents who need a helping hand:

• More than 34 million unpaid caregivers provide care to someone age 18 and older who is sick or disabled. (AARP, 2008)• Unpaid caregivers provide an estimated 90 percent of the long-term care. (IOM, 2008)

• The out-of-pocket costs for caregivers who are caring for someone who was age 50 or older averaged $5,531 in 2007.• About 37 percent of caregivers for someone aged 50 and older reduced their work hours or quit their job in 2007. (AARP, 2008)

• Half (53 percent) of caregivers who said their health had gotten worse due to caregiving also said the decline in their health has affected their ability to provide care. (NAC, 2006).• Caregivers report having difficulty finding time for one’s self (35 percent), managing emotional and physical stress (29 percent) and balancing work and family responsibilities (29 percent). (NAC, 2004).

No matter what you can do, whether you can give the gift of care or respite, or even a simple “thank you,” be sure to recognize the commitment of their efforts for Family Caregiving Month during the month of November and beyond.

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