Celebrated every November, National Family Caregivers Month (NFCM) is a time to recognize and honor family caregivers across the country. It offers an opportunity to raise awareness of caregiving issues, educate communities, and increase support for
caregivers.
Families are the primary source of support for older adults and people with disabilities in the U.S. Many caregivers work and also provide care, experiencing conflicts between competing responsibilities. Research indicates caregiving also takes a significant emotional, physical, and financial toll.
With nearly half of all caregivers over age 50, many are vulnerable to a decline in their own health. Studies show that coordinated support services can reduce caregiver depression, anxiety, and stress, and enable them to provide care longer, which avoids or delays the need for costly institutional care. A caregiver is defined as a family member or unpaid helper who regularly looks after an individual who is 50 years or better, or disabled person.
This year the Weld County Area Agency on Aging, Alzheimer’s Association, Greeley Active Adult Center, Home Instead, Pathways,
and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) invited family caregivers to a Caregiver Appreciation event to be celebrated and honored. The free event was held at the Aims Community College Welcome Center in Greeley.