10 Facts Caregivers Need to Know

November is National Caregiver’s Month, a tradition that began as National Family Caregiver’s Week in 1997. As the importance of family caregivers has gained recognition over the years, the awareness week has grown into an awareness month. Earlier this month the President delivered a poignant message to caregivers, thanking them their noble work. A Place for Mom is proud to join the President in honoring family caregivers across America. As part of those efforts, here are 10 facts that every caregiver should know:

1. You're not alone.
More than 65 million Americans care for their aging or disabled loved ones on a yearly basis. (National Alliance for Caregiving and Evercare, 2009)

2. Your work is valuable.
The value of the unpaid care these 65 million caregivers provide is estimated to be worth $375 billion. (National Alliance for Caregiving and Evercare, 2009)

3. You are America’s #1 long-term care provider.
Family caregivers provide a staggering 90% of long-term care in America. (Institute of Medicine, 2008)

4. Caregiving is costly.
Nearly half of working caregivers report that care-giving expenses have depleted most—or even all—of their savings.(National Alliance for Caregiving and Evercare, 2009)

5. You have to care for yourself first.
If you’re not keeping yourself healthy and happy, it’s doubtful that you will be able to do your best for your loved one. Review the Care-giver's Bill of Rights and remember to take care of yourself.

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