Tessa Lorraine
"Family caregivers are the backbone of our Nation, making tremendous sacrifices to be there for the people who need and cherish them most. This month, we honor their selfless love and courage, and we recommit to getting them the support they deserve. They should know their country has their backs." -- President Biden, in a proclamation on National Family Caregivers Month, 2024
November is National Family Caregivers Month. Family caregivers are the unsung heroes of aging in place. Across the United States there are approximately 50 million family caregivers.
Napa County is right in line with national trends. Seventy-eight percent of caregivers in Napa County are family members. Of those, nearly 80% care for a family member 60 years or older with 41% reporting caring for a family member with cognitive impairment, including Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
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With numbers this high, one might expect caregivers to experience high levels of caregiving burden. However, the Napa County Older Adult Assessment (2022-24) reports only mild to moderate burden. Caregiver supports are used by 7% of respondents, while 52% would use caregiver support services in the future.
Regardless of reported burdens by family member caregivers, we have an opportunity (it could be argued, an obligation) to acknowledge and honor the sacrifices made by family members helping our aging community maintain independence and age in place.
Caregiver Action Network prioritizes Family Caregivers Month by:
* Raising awareness of family caregiver issues
* Celebrating the efforts of family caregivers
* Educating family caregivers about self-identification
* Increasing support for family caregivers
* Reducing feelings of isolation.
We do this by:
* Providing respite care
* Checking in regularly with caregivers
* Being specific with offers ("let me know if you need anything" is too vague)
* Helping with chores
* Inviting caregivers to events and gatherings
* Offering encouragement.
There are resources available to help family members caring for their older adult parent, relative or friend. In Napa County, Providence Adult Day Health offers family consultations, free family caregiver education and training classes as well as bilingual support. Find them at 707-258-9087.
Find more resources at the national level with Caregiver Action Network at 202-454-3970. All services are free.
And, as always, come visit us at Rianda House, 1475 Main Street. We offer programming for caregivers and their families, also free of charge.
Tessa Lorraine is program manager at Rianda House. She holds a master's degree in gerontology and serves on the Napa County Commission on Aging. She lives in Napa with her beagle, Biscuit. To volunteer with Rianda House, call Tessa at 707-963-8555 ext. 103.
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