Q: What is National Family Caregivers Month?
A: November is National Family Caregivers Month. I often write about different months that are recognized because I think it can be an important tool in raising awareness. Family caregivers are an often unseen force in our community that deserve attention and praise for what they do every day.
National Family Caregivers Month was first designated in 1994 when the National Family Caregivers Association (now called the Caregiver Action Network) started this day of recognition. Family caregivers are considered the backbone of our long-term care system in the US because they make sure their loved one has what they need. They perform a variety of tasks for their loved one, which may include managing bills, taking them to appointments, helping with personal care, supervising them, getting them medical care and handling any needs that arise. Half of family caregivers also perform nursing tasks, including wound care, medication management, injections, giving tube feedings and ostomy care.
The 2025 edition of Caregiving in the US, released by AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving, reports there are currently more than 63 million Americans providing unpaid care to a loved one. This is an almost 50% increase since 2015.
National Public Radio (NPR) recently published “A caregiver’s survival guide: Advice from people who’ve been there”. Not only do I work with family caregivers professionally, but I have personally been a caregiver. This is why one of the first quotes used resonated so strongly with me.
It said “Dear whatever doesn’t kill me, I’m strong enough now. Thanks.” I chuckled out loud when I read that quote because I know I am not the only person who can relate. Caregiving can sometimes stretch our emotions and just when we feel like we cannot handle anything else, we find that we manage to do it anyway.
I am consistently in awe of family caregivers and what they are capable of every day.
The 2025 theme for National Family Caregivers month is: Plug-in to Care. This refers to plugging caregivers into resources and connections. I think this theme is so important because caregivers need and deserve to feel connected and supported.
While caregiving can be very rewarding and full of love, it often also comes with conflicting and sometimes difficult emotions. It can be challenging and emotional as we watch our loved one go through changes and decline.
Talking to other caregivers and getting guidance and support from professionals are two important ways caregivers can feel “plugged” into care.
Family Caregiver Resource Centers (FCRC) are set up to provide consultations to family caregivers to help them understand the local resources and supports available to them. The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging lists FCRC’s in Ventura County on their website https://vcaaa.venturacounty.gov/our-services/caregiver-services/ or by calling them at 805- 477-7300. The Alzheimer’s Association lists caregiver support groups for people caring for someone with dementia on their website at https://www.alz.org/help-support/community/support-groups
When I facilitate caregiver support groups, I often leave feeling invigorated. There may be tears, but there is also laughter, and the support they share with each other is inspiring.
If you are a caregiver, reach out and make sure you are connected. If you know someone who is caregiving, thank them for what they are doing. Their loved one may not be capable of thanking them, but we as a community can.
Martha Shapiro can be reached at Senior Concerns at 805-497-0189 or by email at mshapiro@seniorconcerns.org.
