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Governor Whitmer, MDHHS honor dedication of state’s 1.7 million caregivers during Family Caregivers Month

New online resource, Mi Caregiver Connection, launched to provide support 

LANSING, Mich. As part of a national effort to raise awareness about the critical role family caregivers play in providing a broad range of assistance for older adults, service members, veterans, people with disabilities and those with serious or chronic health conditions, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed November as Family Caregivers Month in Michigan.  

“We are recognizing the commitment of the nearly 1.7 million family caregivers in our state who step up and step in every day to ensure their loved ones can live in their own homes and communities for as long as possible regardless of age or disability,” said Elizabeth Hertel, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) director. “We are committed to supporting these caregivers not only this month, but every month." 

As part of an effort to support the state’s caregivers, the Area Agencies on Aging Association of Michigan recently launched Mi Caregiver Connection, an online caregiver resource center. The resource links caregivers with local level services and support. Michigan’s area agencies on aging serve as the planning and service area for Michigan’s State Unit on Aging within MDHHS.   

“The Commission on Services to the Aging welcomes the Governor’s recognition of the important work done by family caregivers to help older adults remain safely at home,” said Commissioner Nancy Duncan. “We are also excited about the launch of the Mi Caregiver Connection, which will provide new tools and resources for family caregivers throughout the state.” 

According to the national organization, Caregiver Action Network, more than half of those providing care in the United States do not recognize themselves as caregivers. Caregiving can include day-to-day support as well as periodic tasks such as attending doctor’s appointments, maintaining and assisting with medications and helping to manage finances.  

“There are millions of caregivers striving every day to help their loved ones who are in need of ongoing, daily personal care assistance,” said Bob Schleuter, Commission on Services to the Aging chairperson. “Family Caregiver Month helps to acknowledge the demands and stress, but also the rewards of taking care of a family member or friend every day. It is important that more people understand just what it takes to make sure that all of our loved ones receive the best personal care possible.” 

For more information on supporting caregivers, visit Mi Caregiver Connection.  

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