November is National Family Caregivers Month
Across the nation at the federal, state and local levels, the importance of family caregivers are being acknowledged and honored this month. Family Caregiver Alliance refers to a caregiver as "anyone who provides assistance to someone else who is, in some degree, incapacitated and needs help: a husband who has suffered a stroke; a wife with Parkinson's disease; a mother-in-law with cancer; a grandfather with Alzheimer's disease?." Caregivers offer a range of services, including emotional and spiritual support, assistance with financial matters, transportation and home- and health-related services.
In his November 1st official proclamation, President Barack Obama encouraged "all Americans to pay tribute to those who provide for the health and well-being of their family members, friends and neighbors." Kathy Greenlee, Assistant Secretary for Aging at the Administration on Aging (AoA), joined the President in recognizing National Family Caregivers Month and stated that "it is an important opportunity for caregivers to recognize themselves" and to honor their incredible commitment, dedication and sacrifice. AoA funds several programs that provide information and assistance to caregivers and professionals who work with them. They include the National Family Caregiver Support Program, Lifespan Respite Care Program and Eldercare Locator.
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