In 1997 President Clinton proclaimed November as National Family Caregiving Month.(4) This month we acknowledge all of those who care for family members, usually at no cost to the elder. 40 million Americans are caring for a loved one, often at the loss of significant income, putting yet another strain on the family. (1) 1.4 million children ages 8-18 provide care for an adult relative; 72% are caring for a parent or grandparent.(1) 30 % of all family caregivers are seniors themselves, and another 15% are between the ages of 45-54.(2) “

As our loved one ages, we want desperately to give them the best quality of life possible. It is especially difficult when the elderly spouse, sometimes dealing with their own chronic disease issues is the primary caregiver for their partner. That is why it is so important for family caregivers to recognize when it is time to ask for help. Stress and burnout, loneliness, isolation and depression are very common among family caregivers, and these problems will ultimately impact they provide, and the care they need for themselves.

It is very important to recognize these and reach out for help as needed. “Our mental, emotional and spiritual needs are hard to manage, harder to expense and easier to ignore.”(5) The better we care for ourselves, the better we are able to take care of others.

The following resources might be helpful in managing loved ones and getting the kind of support you need.

Caregiver Action Network 855-CARE-640
Eldercare Locator 800-677-1116
Family Caregiver Alliance 800-445-8106
Senior Alternatives 888-451-4290

1)National Alliance for Caregiving and the United Hospital Fund
2)US Department of Health & Human Services
3)Sultz,H.A. & Young, K.M. (2011) Health care USA
4)AARP
5)NY Times – Lorene Cary

As our loved one ages, we want desperately to give them the best quality of life possible. It is especially difficult when the elderly spouse, sometimes dealing with their own chronic disease issues is the primary caregiver for their partner.