Informal caregivers, recognized as the bedrock of community care, provide between 75% and 80% of the daily assistance to those who need long term care. Caregivers are husbands, wives, partners, daughters, sons, other relatives, friends, neighbors, a grandparent caring for a grandchild, parents caring for a child with special needs, a teenager helping his parents care for his grandfather, and others. Caregivers assist with tasks of everyday living so their loved ones may remain at home in the community, maintain their independence and the quality of their lives. Caregivers help can range from grocery shopping or driving someone to a medical appointment to taking care of someone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. And, your caregiving role can change over time. In NYS, there are an estimated 2.2 million family caregivers providing care at an estimated value of $25 billion. This unpaid care saves billions of dollars in scarce state and federal funds.
While caregiving is a fundamental aspect of family and community life, it can be challenging. It can create physical, emotional and financial strains on a caregiver. Studies show that caregivers who experience stress and burden are more likely to 'burn-out' or give up on their daily caregiving responsibilities. They look for alternatives - frequently placing their loved one in a nursing home. Research also shows that caregivers need to take care of themselves so they can remain healthy and able to continue their caregiving roles. Most people don't recognize themselves as a 'caregiver'. They are simply 'taking care of Mom'. It is important to recognize that as a caregiver, you, too, need to take the time to care for yourself.
The Governor and NYSOFA recognize support for caregivers is critically important to meet the growing needs of caregivers across the lifespan. The NYS Family Caregiver Council, which includes caregivers, advocates and professionals, is reviewing current services, service gaps, and policy issues in order to improve support to caregivers.
To find out about support services in your area through your local office for the aging and community and faith-based organizations, on-line information, training and tools, and more, click on the links under Caregiving listed on the left hand side of this page
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