I would like to remind everyone to keep an eye out for friends and family who are caregivers and take a moment to support those who support others."
"Caregiving is a rewarding experience, but it also comes with challenges. I cannot stress enough that help is available," said Paula Basta, Director of IDoA. Caregivers need support themselves, or they risk putting their own health and well-being at risk. "Caregivers are a lifeline to the outside world and source of hope for better days ahead. For many family caregivers, routine tasks are made more difficult as a result of trauma in the lives of the people they are caring for. Caregivers experience difficult emotions along their journey and can also experience many losses including loss of privacy, freedom, money, identity, and work. From helping with shopping and transportation to providing complex medical care in their own homes, these family caregivers are a vital component of Illinois' Aging Network and a critical resource for older Illinoisans facing the devastating toll of social isolation exacerbated by the COVID-19 epidemic.Īlthough there tends to be an average profile for caregivers, they are greatly diverse representing both genders and all races, cultures and ages. Specifically, Illinois' 600,000 caregivers join the estimated 53 million Americans across the nation who are caring for loved ones with illnesses, disabilities, and other physical, cognitive, and mental health conditions. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and holiday season quickly approaching, it is an important time to highlight IDoA's Caregiver Support Program and the resources available for people who are caring for older Illinoisans. Springfield - November is National Family Caregivers Month, and the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) would like to recognize the almost 600,000 Illinois family caregivers providing an estimated 670 million hours of unpaid care during any given year.