Supporting Family Caregivers

Posted on November 4, 2020 by Roni Falck

November marks National Family Caregivers Month, which celebrates the often-invisible workforce of family caregivers supporting vulnerable adults living at home. A recent AARP study estimates that nearly 42 million Americans care for family members above the age of 50, an increase of 20% from 2015. Family caregiving is both a gift and a challenge, and like so many things in 2020, the challenges of family caregiving have become more acute due to limited mobility and access to services. 

In their role providing respite, adult day providers are acutely aware of the challenges faced by family caregivers. A survey conducted when ADS centers were closed this spring illustrates the impact the pandemic has had on the mental health of family caregivers:

• 93% of adult day providers report family caregivers experiencing increased levels of stress;
• 80% of adult day providers report family caregivers experiencing increased feelings of depression; and
• 89% of adult day providers report family caregivers experiencing increased feelings of anxiety.

Adult day programs, and the close relationships family caregivers develop with staff, are uniquely positioned to support family caregivers through respite, support groups, counseling, referrals and by helping navigate the caregiving journey.

Many adult day services providers have resumed operations both in person and remotely; and are available to support family caregivers and their loved ones.