November 19, 2007

In recognition of the valuable contributions made by those who care for their loved ones and others, the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging (OSA) encourages Michigan citizens to observe November as National Family Caregiver Month.

Sponsored by the National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA), National Family Caregiver Month is celebrated each year to focus on the demanding challenges faced by family caregivers and to honor them for their compassion and generosity.

"More than one million caregivers are being recognized this month in Michigan," said OSA Director Sharon Gire. "The estimated value of their good will and selfless service to others will top $1 billion."

Some dedicated family caregivers must devote 24 hours a day, seven days a week to care for and improve the lives of those who are frail, chronically ill or disabled. Others give care on an intermittent, part-time basis. Family caregivers assist their loved ones and others with daily living activities such as bathing, banking, shopping, food preparation and health care to help meet their social, emotional, financial, homemaking, and health needs.

It is estimated that more than 60 percent of the adult population will serve as a caregiver at some point during their lifetime. The overwhelming majority of caregiving is contributed by concerned spouses and adult children. Often they must juggle the demands of home, work and caring for others.

Caregiving involves sacrifice and a significant investment of a person's time and energy. Because extended caregiving can cause emotional burn-out, OSA provides caregiver assistance and support with federal funding through the National Family Caregiver Support Program.

In addition, OSA funds respite care for caregivers to relieve them of their responsibilities for a brief period of time. OSA also funds a "Respite Care Consumer Information Fact Sheet" to provide information about various types of respite care services, cost and payment options, and how to go about selecting the best respite care services to meet individual needs.

For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/miseniors or call (517) 373-8230.