NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVER'S MONTH is designated as a time every year to thank, support, educate and empower family caregivers. "This year we are encouraging people to speak up during National Family Caregivers Month." said Suzanne Mintz, NFCA president and CEO. "One of the most important attributes on being an advocate for your loved one is the willingness and the ability to speak up and keep your eye on the ultimate goal, protecting not only the health and safety of your loved ones but for yourself as well."More than 50 million people, provide care for a chronically ill, disabled or aged family member or friend during any given year.
Informal caregiving is the foundation of America’s long-term care system. Each day, in every State and community, family members, friends and neighbors provide extraordinary levels of assistance to persons of all ages with chronic illnesses and disabilities. Caregivers manage tasks ranging from assisting with basic personal care and homemaking to carrying out more complex health-related interventions.
Unpaid caregivers may be found in every community. They come from every walk of life. They contribute an estimated economic value of about $350 billion each year.
They are male and female, young and old, and may or may not possess adequate financial resources to meet their own daily needs or the needs of those for whom they care.
