We’re With You!
ACL Programs Support Family Caregivers
By: Edwin L. Walker, Deputy Assistant Secretary for
Aging, Administration on Aging (AoA), Administration for Community Living
(ACL) - pictured above at a recent conference
As the calendar turns to November, we celebrate National
Family Caregivers Month – an opportunity for communities across the country
to come together to support and recognize the contributions and sacrifices
made on a daily basis by family caregivers of all ages. Family caregivers
are the heart and soul of our nation’s long-term care system. They
represent an estimated 80 percent of the long-term care in the United
States provided by family and other unpaid caregivers. Their support allows
countless older adults and people with disabilities to remain fully engaged
in their communities. Just as families pull together to support their loved
ones during times of need, states and communities across the country can
also recognize and support the incredible work done every day by family
caregivers.
As an example, last week I had the privilege of addressing the
TERRIFIC, Inc. and the DC Office on Aging 2018 Caregiving Conference. The
theme of the conference – “You
are not alone – You Matter! We’re With You!” underscores many
facets of the family caregiving experience. Indeed – family caregivers are not alone. It is
estimated that nearly 44 million adults provide care for an adult or child,
annually. Additionally, the help they provide has real worth, with one
estimate placing the value of the care they provide at approximately $470
billion dollars. Lastly – and importantly – the theme emphasizes the power of community and
the sense of belonging we can feel with those of us who share similar
experiences.
The DC Office on Aging and TERRIFIC, Inc. are part of the
“aging services network” – a group of state government agencies, area
agencies on aging and thousands of local service provider agencies and
volunteers that deliver a range of services and supports to older adults
and their family caregivers. Fundamental to the mission of the
Administration for Community Living (ACL) is to enable people with
disabilities and older adults to live in their communities and to provide
opportunities to fully participate. Supporting families and family
caregivers is central to that mission and I am so proud of the programs and
services administered by the aging services network each day. Programs like
the National Family Caregiver Support Program and the Lifespan Respite Care
Program are helping to make essential services like information, assistance
and respite available to families. They also provide opportunities for
caregivers to take a break from their daily responsibilities. Similarly,
the grants made available by the Alzheimer’s Disease Program Initiative are
using the power of research to improve the lives of people with Alzheimer’s
and related dementias and their family caregivers.
This year, as we celebrate National Family Caregivers Month, I
encourage family caregivers to learn about and connect to the services and
supports available in their communities. It is essential that family
caregivers take care of their own health, ask for help if they need it, and,
whenever possible, take a break from their caregiving responsibilities.
Knowing what supports are available and where to access them is the first
step and the ACL-funded Eldercare Locator and its newly created
“Family Caregiver Corner” is available to assist. For more than 25 years,
the knowledgeable and caring staff at the Locator have helped countless
families access the supports they need.
Although the journey of caregiving can be challenging, the
programs and services available through the aging and disability services
networks are there to inform, assist and support, and to help family
caregivers in their commitment to caring for their loved ones.
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