Families and friends—not social agencies, nursing homes or government programs—provide the majority of long-term care for older persons. Family and friends provide unpaid help to their loved ones who live in the community. Family caregivers include the spouse, adult children, grandchildren, and other relatives or friends.

November marks the nationally celebrated Family Caregiver Month, honoring all Americans who are the primary caregivers for aging or disabled loved ones. With over 50 million Americans caring for an aging spouse, parent, disabled adult child, or raising a grandchild, National Caregivers Month offers validation and support for the growing number of family caregivers.

Across America, more frail older Americans are choosing to receive their care at home by family caregivers. This shift towards home care puts greater stress and responsibility on these family caregivers.

To help, senior adult centers in Southern Illinois give family caregivers information on obtaining help, deliver meals to the home, refer them to in-home and adult day services, provide prescription drug assistance, and refer them to support groups and counseling to help relieve stress. Information is also available about home health care, transportation, Living Will, Power of Attorney, and modifying homes to make them safer for an older person.

Similarly, grandparents are being faced with the task of raising their grandchildren. Often they are suddenly faced with this responsibility and aren’t always prepared for the emotional and physical toll it takes. Anyone who is parenting for “the second time around” is eligible for information and help through senior adult centers.

National Family Caregiver Month was developed to recognize and honor the roles that families play as caregivers. If you are a family caregiver, remember to take care of yourself, don’t be afraid to seek help, communicate with family members, seek information, and maintain your sense of humor.

When your caregiving efforts seem conflicted, just remember a quote from Thomas Paine, a Revolutionary War-era patriot, who said that “the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.”

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Information on Caring for an Aging Parent

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