National Family Caregiver Month Recognizes the More than 50 Million

Americans Who Care for Loved Ones

This November marks the nationally celebrated National Family Caregiver (NFC) Month, honoring Americans who are the primary caregiver for an aging or disabled loved one. With over 50 million Americans caring for an aging parent and more than 50% of those caregivers reporting “burn-out,” NFC Month offers validation and support for the growing population of family caregivers.

One of the key ways that family caregivers can avoid burnout and practice self-care is through finding support and outside help. Professional non-medical home care is a perfect solution for family caregivers because it offers assistance with care giving duties and support and expert advice for the family caregiver. Respite care reduces caregiver stress, helps restore balance and enhances the relationship between the caregiver and their loved one.

Elda DeLorenzo of Hollis, New Hampshire, is one of millions of Baby Boomers who is currently facing the responsibility of managing care for an aging parent. DeLorenzo brought her elderly mother home to live with her. “I knew that the only option was to care for her myself but I quickly found that I was in over my head,” said DeLorenzo. “Finally I sought help from a local home care agency, and now I receive support 20 hours a week. Before I got help I was going crazy. Getting help was such a relief and made my life so much easier.” Home health care was a solution for Ms DeLorenzo. Family care giving can present many challenges and it can be difficult to know what solutions might be available. Information and assistance, one of the key components of the Family Caregiver Support Program, is accessible to caregivers in need of direction in our 18 county region. If you need information regarding care options or care giving in general, you may contact the program manager at 1-800-392-8771 or in the Cape Girardeau Area at 335-3331

Across America, more and more aging Americans are choosing to stay at home and be cared for by family members instead of entering institutionalized care, in fact, according to a recent AARP study, 89% of people over 50 wish to remain at home as long as possible. This shift towards aging at home is putting pressure and responsibility on adult children, grandchildren and loved ones of elderly. Suddenly they are faced with the responsibility of providing care and aren’t always prepared for the emotional and physical toll. National Family Caregiver Month was developed to recognize and validate the roles of family caregivers.