November is the month dedicated to recognizing family caregivers. Many adults across our country and throughout the world serve as caregivers to a family member. Around 44 million Americans are estimated to provide family caregiving each year (https://www.caregiver.org/resource/caregiving/).

Family caregivers are individuals who care for another family member who suffers from a chronic condition that keeps them from caring for themselves. Family caregiving can be difficult and many people feel like they do not have enough support. Family caregivers make up the majority of caregivers and many work other jobs in addition to their caregiving. Also, many family caregivers are not paid for their services. Caregiving can require a lot of hours and many people are providing caregiving by themselves. Caregiving can impact one’s physical, emotional health, finances, other employment and more. Sometimes, individuals do not consider themselves to be a caregiver despite the help and support that they regularly provide to a family member. The role of a family caregiver can be part-time or full-time depending on the individual need.

Responsibilities of a caregiver can also vary, but could include grocery shopping, preparing meals, bathing, dressing, going to doctor appointments, providing medications and more. If you are a family caregiver or know someone who is, here is a good website for resources and support: https:// www.caregiver.org/caregiver-resources/all-resources/