November is National Family Caregivers Month. The theme for 2014 is “Care Comes Home.” This theme really highlights the care provided by friends and family within the home and community. It is important to think about what caregivers do and to thank them for their selfless work.
Currently, there are 65 million caregivers in the U.S. who are caring for an adult or child with significant health issues. This number is up 30% from 2010. The most prevalent demographic group for caregivers is adults ages 30 to 64.
At some point in their life, 47% of U.S. adults say it is likely they will become a caregiver. This rise in percentage can be attributed to several factors. One factor seems to the health of the aging population. About 75% of U.S. adults over age 65 are living with a chronic condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease.
The average caregiver provides about 20.4 hours per week of care, but some caregivers (13%) provide more than 40 hours of care per week. While some people work as a caregiver full time, seven in ten caregivers were employed at some point while they were caregiving. Working a full time job and providing care for 20 hours a week can be stressful. However, only three in ten caregivers said their caregiving situation was emotionally stressful.
It is important to recognize caregivers and give them praise and thanks. Make sure to thank a caregiver this month for all they do.