“There are only four kinds of people
in the world — those who have been caregivers, those who are currently
caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregivers.”
— Former First Lady, Rosalynn Carter
National
Family Caregivers Month is a nationally recognized month seeking to draw
attention to the many challenges facing family caregivers, advocate for
stronger public policy to address family caregiving issues, and raise awareness
about community programs that support family caregivers.
Sixty-five
million caregivers (29% of the U.S. population) are recognized during National
Family Caregivers Month. The estimated value of the services provided by these
family members caring for loved ones who are frail, disabled, or chronically
ill is estimated to be more than $300 billion annually.
National
Family Caregivers Month was developed in 1994 as a week-long event inaugurated
by the National
Family Caregiver Association. President
Clinton signed the first Presidential Proclamation in 1997, and each successive
president has followed suit. In this year’s proclamation, President Obama writes: “Family caregivers
have an immeasurable impact on the lives of those they assist, but their hours
are long and their work is hard.”
Caregiving can be rewarding, but it
can also physically and emotionally demanding. The Law Firm of Evan H. Farr advises
that if you are a caregiver, don’t let your own needs or your health take a
back seat. Many caregivers are at the
age when they are developing their own chronic issues. Be sure to take good care
of the person you are caring for
and yourself too!
Evan H. Farr on Google +
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