Ohio Department of Aging

• Older Ohioans & Families
• Providers & Professionals
• Advocacy & Legislation

• Home
• Info Center
• About Us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 2, 2006

November is National Family Caregiver's Month
Family Members, Others Form the Backbone of Ohio's Long-term Care System

COLUMBUS - President George W. Bush proclaimed November as National Family Caregiver's Month to honor family caregivers who take time out of their lives to improve the lives of family and friends. In Ohio, caregivers contribute more than 1.1 million hours of unpaid help to others - care that saves taxpayers an estimated $10.4 billion each year.

"Family members and other individuals who selflessly give their time and energy to support their loved ones and neighbors truly are the backbone of the long-term care system," said Merle Grace Kearns, Director of the Department of Aging. "If you aren't currently affected by caregiving, chances are you will be at some point in your life."

Caregiving describes any situation in which one person helps another with essential activities of daily living. Caregiving activities may include help with dressing and bathing, grocery shopping, managing money, providing transportation, dressing wounds and administering medication.

Family caregivers take many forms, from spouses caring for a husband or wife, to adults tending to their aging parents, to older parents caring for a son or daughter with a disability. Each caregiver faces a unique set of challenges and makes a conscious decision to overcome them, whatever it takes.

"We know that most people would prefer to remain in their own homes and communities as long as possible," Kearns said. "Without the contributions of family caregivers, thousands of Ohioans would be forced to make difficult and expensive decisions about their care."

Ohio's aging network offers support to family caregivers through the National Family Caregiver Support Program, the Alzheimer's Respite Program and other initiatives. Information and general assistance are available to all caregivers. Caregivers of individuals who are age 60 or older and frail may qualify for more comprehensive assistance. Services vary, but may include individual counseling, support groups, caregiver training, respite care for temporary relief from caregiving responsibilities and more. Contact your Area Agency on Aging at 1-866-243-5678 for more information.

About ODA

The Ohio Department of Aging serves and represents two million Ohioans age 60 and older. The Department advocates for the needs of all older citizens, with an emphasis on improving the quality of life for older Ohioans, helping them live active, healthy and independent lives, and promoting positive attitudes toward aging and older people. The Department provides services to older Ohioans through 12 area agencies on aging, home- and community-based Medicaid waiver programs such as PASSPORT, the long-term care ombudsman and the Golden Buckeye Card. For more information, visit www.goldenbuckeye.com.