November is National Family Caregivers Month
This month we acknowledge the efforts of the more than 43 million Americans who serve as unpaid caregivers for family members.
- Approximately 39.8 million caregivers provide care to adults with a disability or illness; that’s 16.6 percent of Americans. Caregiving requires sacrifice and can lead to burnout, fatigue, anxiety and depression.
- Many family caregivers (over 60 percent) must balance their home lives with working a paid job while meeting the needs of relatives in their care.
- One in five caregivers says they have no one to call for help. If you’re a caregiver, tap into replacement helpers—either in-home or at a health center. Ask other family members to assist with shopping, housecleaning and errands.
- Many caregivers can become isolated from friends and family. Simply listen to them talk about how they are feeling and let them vent their frustrations, worries and fears.
- Remind them to take breaks to address their physical and mental health needs. It is vital to their wellbeing to do so.
November is National Caregivers Month, a time to provide resources for self-care, advocacy, and de-stressing for our caregivers. The month is dedicated to supporting them as they care for others.
During November, Stamp Out Stigma is taking this opportunity to discuss the importance of caregivers. We will be highlighting the vital work caregivers do every day. Being a caregiver can be a labor of love, but it can also be stressful. This month, learn how to be an effective caregiver while taking care of yourself. Throughout November, we encourage family, friends, and loved ones to learn more about what it takes to be a caregiver and what resources are available to help those who need it.
Here are some important facts you should know:
22.3% of adults reported providing care or assistance to a friend or family member in the past 30 days.
Approximately 39.8 million caregivers (16.6% of Americans) provide care for adults (aged 18+) with a disability or illness.
One in three caregivers (31.3%), provided 20 or more hours per week of care, and over half (53.8%) have given care or assistance for 24 months or more.17.2% of middle–aged and older adults who are not currently caregivers expect to provide care or assistance in the next two years to a friend or family members with a health problem or a disability.
About 15.7 million adult family caregivers care for someone who has Alzheimer's disease or other dementia.
Remember, mental illness does not discriminate. Join us to help bring attention to the importance of sharing mental health stories and help improve the lives of millions of Americans living with mental illness.
Visit MagellanHealthcare.com/about/bh-resources/mymh or call your program for confidential mental health resources.