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National Family Caregivers Appreciation Month

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Join the Accredited Care management and staff in celebrating National Family Caregivers Appreciation Month! Every November the nation celebrates and honors family caregivers who take care of the ones they love. One of the best ways to help reduce the stress of a family caregiver is to incorporate the use of professional in-home caregivers to help take some of the load off.

family caregivers appreciation photo

The Typical Family Caregiver

According to the 2015 Research Report “Caregiving in the U.S.”:

  1. Female (60%) & Male (40%)
  2. 1 in 10 provides care for their spouse
  3. 1 in 10 is aged 75 and older (7% of family caregivers)
  4. 85% of unpaid caregivers care for family members
  5. The average length of time is approximately 4 years (75% care for a loved one for 1-4 years); while 24% care for loved ones 5+ years
  6. Many family caregivers are forced to give up working when caring for a parent or in-law
  7. The average age of caregivers is 49
  8. 6 in 10 are employed; costing employers $34 billion/year [1]
  9. The oldest caregivers are Caucasian spouses who average about 3 years of age
  10. 1 in 10 caregivers who are 75 plus tend to be female spouses caring for their husbands. Their husbands are most often are suffering from Alzheimer’s and/or other issues typical to aging, or heart health issues.

The Typical Recipient

According to the same report referenced above, “Caregiving in the U.S.” gives us these statistics about those who are receiving care:

  1. 65% are female & 35% are male
  2. The average age of a care recipient is 4 years of age
  3. Nearly 50% of caregivers are caring for someone aged 75+
  4. Younger recipients tend to have younger caregivers; older recipients tend to have older caregivers
  5. The average typical recipient is a 77 year old male with 1 or more of the most common problems of Alzheimer’s, health issues from aging, and/or heart problems
  6. 49 % of those receiving care are the parents or the parent-in-law of their caregiver
  7. 12% of recipients are spouses or partners
  8. 3 in 10 recipients live alone still (not in assisted living facilities)

National Family Caregivers Appreciation Month 2016

“Take Care to Give Care”

This year’s theme for National Family Caregivers Appreciation Month is “Take care to give care.” We’re putting the focus on caregivers taking care of themselves in order to be able to provide the best care possible for their loved ones.

Resources & Tips for Caregivers

  • Be Organized – It’s important to remain organized in order to help deter mistakes and make sure that your loved one is cared for properly. This checklist of ADLs can help.
  • Caregiver Toolbox – This free online family caregiver toolbox, provided by the Caregiver Action Network, can be very helpful.
  • Accept Help – It’s important to take up offers of help from friends and family; but only if you feel comfortable and think they are prepared to deal with any issues that may arise. A better option is often to utilize professional in-home care and home health services.
  • Get Organized Financially – Allsup® & the NFCA offer this checklist of documents that may be needed. Don’t be afraid to seek out help with getting your finances and legal documentation organized.
  • CDC & Caregivers – The CDC offers some excellent information and resources for becoming a caregiver.
  • Plan – Planning is vital to successful aging. 70% of Americans do not have advanced care planning in place.
  • Socialization – Keeping socially active as a caregiver is important. Being socially active can include local senior centers, part time caregiving, church fellowship/worship and entertaining a single friend or family member. Keep your social functions simple and make sure you take the time to socialize regularly.
  • Be Open Minded – Be open minded about the care options provided for your loved one. There are constant changes happening to help you age successfully.

Celebrate with the Accredited Care Team

The Accredited Care team wants to help you celebrate Family Caregivers Appreciation Month by understanding the importance of their role.

 

[1] “Caregiving & Work” by Caregiving Action Network

 

Photo by Leonid Mamchenkov