When someone is sick or disabled, family caregivers often play a significant role in their care. According to the National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA) there are approximately 65 million family caregivers across the U.S. who offer their time and services to someone who cannot care for themselves.
The NFCA coordinates National Family Caregivers Month each November as a time to thank, support, educate and empower family caregivers. This observance enables us to:
- Raise awareness of family caregiver issues
- Celebrate the efforts of family caregivers
- Educate family caregivers about self-identification
- Increase support for family caregivers
In an effort to connect the millions of family caregivers to a community and each other, NFCA created the state network of NFCA volunteers known as the Caregiver Community Action Network, (CCAN). This group of people has their own family caregiving experiences and now volunteers to assist others to improve their family caregiving experience.
The NFCA offers the following links as a starting point to connect with other family caregivers:
The Caregiver Story Project: The NFCA "Caregiver Story Project" is an opportunity for family caregivers to share their experiences related to the financial strain of caregiving and any difficulties with the healthcare system. This includes frustrations coordinating your loved one’s care with all of the many healthcare professionals with whom you are involved.
E-Communities: The groups connect family caregivers directly to other family caregivers in their own cities and states to share information and resources.
Family Caregiver Forum: This is a place to ask any questions, find support and take part in general discussions on topics relevant to family caregiving.
Family caregivers have been part of our culture for a very long time, but their roles are just being acknowledged. On this day of thanks, please join us in taking note of the unsung heroes of our communities.
Source:
The National Family Caregivers Association