Recognizing National Family Caregiver Month

November is National Family Caregiver Month

Do you care for a spouse, parent, neighbor, or friend? This November, in honor of National Family Caregiver Month, we celebrate the millions of unpaid family caregivers who provide essential care for loved ones. Whether you’re helping with daily activities or managing medical tasks, your dedication and sacrifices deserve recognition.

This year’s theme, “Plug into Care” emphasizes connecting caregivers to support, tools, and community.

Many family caregivers are thrust into their roles unexpectedly—whether as partners, adult children, friends, neighbors, or even grandparents raising grandchildren. While the responsibility and value of their services are great, caregivers often go unrecognized for their crucial contributions.

Research from the Caregiver Action Network shows that caregiving can have a significant emotional, physical, and financial toll. 53.4% of caregivers aged 65 years and older have two or more chronic diseases and nearly 42% of all caregivers are over the age of 65.

In the United States, there are an estimated 63 million family caregivers providing care to older adults or those with disabilities. These caregivers contribute an estimated $1.1 trillion annually in unpaid care, nearly twice what is spent on home care and nursing homes combined. The average caregiver spends nearly $7,200 per year on caregiving expenses, according to the Caregiver Action Network.

The reality is that caregiving is a demanding, often exhausting role. However, studies have shown that with proper support, caregivers experience lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Support services can also help enable them to provide care longer, which avoids or delays the need for costly institutional care.

At Care Connection for Aging Services, we are committed to supporting family caregivers through our Family Caregiver Program. We offer resources such as the Stressbusters Program; the Caring for You, Caring for Me class; Dementia Friends; caregiver support groups, and more—all at no charge to caregivers (though contributions are welcome).

If you’re a caregiver, or if you know someone who could benefit, we encourage you to reach out. Our team is here to provide information, training, and support. To learn more, visit your local senior center or call 1-800-748-7826 and ask to speak with a Family Caregiver Coordinator.

This month, and every month, we honor the hard work and compassion of family caregivers. You are not alone.