November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to recognize and honor the crucial role that family caregivers play in our communities. The 2024 theme—”I Care”—celebrates the devotion of family members who tirelessly support their loved ones with essential care, often around the clock. It’s a month to thank family caregivers for their contributions, raise awareness of the issues they face, and encourage the broader community to offer support where possible.
Family caregivers provide a safety net for older adults and individuals with disabilities, stepping in to ensure their needs are met at home. Nationwide, more than 53 million family caregivers provide unpaid care, valued at more than $600 billion annually. In Arizona alone, about 850,000 caregivers contribute an estimated $14.5 billion in unpaid services.
The demands placed on family caregivers continue to grow, especially among the Sandwich Generation—a generation balancing caring for aging parents while they also take care of, raise, and financially support their own children. With a historic staffing shortage in long-term care facilities, this invisible workforce of caregivers is more essential than ever. Arizona in particular ranks second in the nation for caregiver burnout, highlighting the need for both recognition and resources.
Why We Celebrate National Family Caregivers Month
National Family Caregivers Month allows us to:
- Raise awareness of family caregiver challenges and needs.
- Celebrate their efforts and recognize the sacrifices they make.
- Educate family caregivers about the importance of self-identification, which helps them access supportive resources.
- Increase support for family caregivers through policies, services, and community initiatives.
- Reduce isolation by connecting caregivers to networks and support systems.
The Challenges and Needs of Family Caregivers
Caregiving can be financially, emotionally, and physically taxing. Out-of-pocket costs for caregivers often exceed 10% of their household income. Additionally, caregiving impacts health; 23% of caregivers report a decline in their own health and 85% experience mental distress. Women are disproportionately impacted, with 61% of caregivers being women, many balancing full-time work and family responsibilities. For working mothers, lifetime earnings can decrease by 15% due to caregiving responsibilities.
Preventing Caregiver Burnout
Caregiver burnout is a serious concern, especially in states like Arizona where caregivers experience high levels of stress. Here are three practical tips to prevent or manage burnout:
- Don’t Go It Alone: Prioritize self-care by asking family and friends for help. Taking time for sleep, nutritious meals, exercise, and enjoyable activities is essential for long-term resilience.
- Use Outside Services Like Wanda: Respite care, adult day programs, and caregiver training programs can alleviate some of the burdens. Wanda helps caregivers by coordinating safe, convenient transportation for their loved ones, so they can safely attend medical appointments or engage in activities alone while caregivers take a much-needed break.
- Leverage Caregiving Apps: Digital tools help organize medical records, insurance documents, and other important paperwork, streamlining access to information in emergencies.
How Wanda Supports Caregivers
At Wanda, we understand that caregivers need reliable, supportive services to manage their daily responsibilities. That’s why Wanda offers dependable transportation solutions designed with caregivers in mind. Whether it’s helping loved ones get to essential appointments or providing a bit of time for caregivers to focus on their own needs, Wanda is here to support families every step of the way.
This month, we extend our deepest gratitude to family caregivers for their devotion and sacrifices. Your resilience and dedication provide critical support to families and communities. As we honor you this month, we also commit to helping you access the resources you need to thrive in your caregiving journey. If you need transportation support, create your caregiver account today to book your love one’s first ride with Wanda!
