Caregivers: Our Unsung Heroes

Are you a caregiver for a parent, child or other relative? If so, you are part of a massive army of unsung heroes who commit their time, talent, and resources to caring for others.

November is National Family Caregivers Month.

This month we at Nash Disability Law join with millions of other Americans to offer our profound thanks to all the caregivers who give so much of themselves and provide care that comes in many forms.

We also recognize that caregivers’ personal health and well-being can be significantly affected by the emotional and physical strain of caregiving. It can be one of the most difficult jobs, accompanied by stressful emotional situations, little rest, and in most cases very little or no compensation.

President Barack Obama declared November National Family Caregiver Month in 2013. Since its inception, National Family Caregiver Month has raised awareness for caregivers and improving their overall life and well-being.

In marking the occasion last year, President Joe Biden said, in part:

“How we treat our children, parents, and loved ones and how we value those who care for them are fundamental to who we are as a nation. Early care and education give young children a strong start in life while long-term care helps older Americans, veterans, and people with disabilities live and work with dignity. During National Family Caregivers Month, we honor the Americans who lift up our communities and our nation by providing dignified, professional and invaluable care to the people we cherish the most.”

“This week, we recognize the love and sacrifice of millions of American caregivers. They are the backbone of our country, caring for young children, aging parents, disabled veterans, injured service members, and others who need support and medical assistance. Let us celebrate and honor our caregivers and renew our efforts to protect their dignity, health and security. Because when we care for our caregivers, we honor our American ideals and move closer to a future where no one in this nation is left behind.”

Caregiving in America is on the rise. More than 100 million U.S. adults function as family caregivers, providing care for a child, parent or other relative. That is up from 43.5 million in 2015. Today one in five adults provides care while still working outside the house. And the average time devoted to giving personal care to another has nearly tripled since 2020. These trends are likely to continue because:

• The U.S. population is aging.
• The number of people with chronic disabilities is also increasing.
• Hospital stays are becoming shorter.
• Increasingly people prefer to receive care at home.
• The cost of professional caregivers is increasing.
• There aren’t enough paid professional caregivers.

During National Family Caregivers Month and every month of the year, Nash Disability Law in Chicago encourages you to pause, recognize our caregivers and do what you can to elevate their work.

Because they provide critical service to their families and all of our communities, but too often they’re unseen, undervalued and unpaid.