It's always a good time to honor and recognize the spouses, family members and friends who dedicate countless hours to caring for their loved ones.
Let's raise awareness of the distinct challenges they face.
North America is home to millions of family caregivers. On top of having tremendous fortitude, they're an interesting bunch. Check out our list below for some fascinating facts about caregivers.
1) They come in the millions: In Canada, there are an estimated 4 to 5 million people caring for a family member with a long-term health issue. In the U.S., the number is even higher--65 million people.
2) There's still a gender divide: Both in Canada and the States, the majority of caregivers are women between the ages of 45 and 64.
3) Numbers are higher thanks to Alzheimer's: More than 15 million family caregivers are providing care to people with Alzheimer's disease in the U.S. alone.
4) They're worth a LOT: Canadian caregivers provide $5 billion worth of unpaid labour to the healthcare system. They cover more than 80 per cent of the care needed by people with long-term illnesses.
In the U.S., again, the numbers are much higher. Annually, family caregivers provide close to $400 billion in "free" care. That's more than total Medicaid funding, and two times as much as home care and nursing home services combined.
5) It's not just adults:1.4 million American kids aged 8 to 18 care for an adult relative. Luckily, most aren't solely responsible!
6) They live longer: While caregivers have a higher risk of experiencing health issues like depression, anxiety, chronic illness or stroke, a recent Johns Hopkins study of 3,500 family caregivers found that those who cared for a chronically-ill loved one had an 18 percent survival advantage over non-caregivers. Over the course of the six-year study, caregivers were found to live nine years longer.
7) It helps to self-identify: In the U.S., more than 90 percent of family caregivers become proactive and start looking for resources and developing skills after they have self-identified.
For more information, visit America's Caregiver Action Network, or the Canadian Caregiver Coalition north of the border.
This story was originally published on Alzlive.com, a website for caregivers of people with Alzheimer's and dementia. For more tips, answer and support, visit the site here.
10 Symptoms For Alzheimer's
Misplacing things(01 of15)
Open Image ModalPeople with Alzheimer's may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and also accuse others of stealing. This may become more and more frequent. (credit:Cavan Images via Getty Images)
Finding it difficult to complete home tasks(02 of15)
Open Image ModalConfusion with time or places.(03 of15)
Open Image ModalProblems with speaking or writing(04 of15)
Open Image ModalFinding it hard to read and understand visual images.(05 of15)
Open Image ModalSolving problems.(06 of15)
Open Image ModalWithdrawel from social activities.(07 of15)
Open Image ModalSomeone with Alzheimer's may remove themselves from certain hobbies/interests and social activities. (credit:Ryan McVay via Getty Images)
Memory Loss(08 of15)
Open Image ModalMood changes.(09 of15)
Open Image ModalDecreased or poor judgment.(10 of15)
Open Image ModalBest not call after dark(11 of15)
Open Image ModalMany people with Alzheimer’s experience sundowning, or increased confusion and anxiety as evening approaches. For the best chance at communicating, call between mid-morning and mid-afternoon, recommends Lori Fleming, cognitive educator at Friends Fellowship Community in Richmond, Ind. “The evenings and early mornings are not good because their minds get wired up throughout the evening and, occasionally, it causes people with sundowners to kind of stay up really late,” says Fleming. (credit:Shutterstock)
But absolutely make the call(12 of15)
Open Image ModalRegular communication is the most crucial and valuable component in keeping the relationship ongoing and strong. During conversations, keep the sentences and dialogue short and simple. Keep the call itself short, too. “Little two-, three- and four-minute phone calls are probably better than 15-minute phone calls,” says Angela Lunde, dementia education specialist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. (credit:Shutterstock)
Who is this?(13 of15)
Open Image ModalDon’t pressure the loved one with Alzheimer’s to recognize you. Simply say who you are and why you’re calling. You might be tempted to ask the Alzheimer’s sufferer if they know with whom they’re speaking. Don’t. This question can cause discomfort and anxiety. If they don’t make the connection, just continue talking to them. (credit:Shutterstock)
No harm in a little lie(14 of15)
Open Image ModalFamily members will often notice that their relative suffering from Alzheimer’s is saying things that obviously aren’t grounded in reality. Don’t correct them. "In Grandpa’s eyes, it’s his life, his story, and that’s his reality in that moment,” explains Lunde. Going along with the incorrect stories isn’t contributing to “Grandpa’s” delusions or supporting his “lies.” In her support groups, Lunde doesn’t use the word “lying;” instead, she and the group members call it “therapeutical fibbing.” (credit:Shutterstock)
Letters are touchable memories(15 of15)
Open Image ModalLong-distance family members shouldn’t overlook snail mail. Loved ones with Alzheimer’s respond extremely well to letters and cards because they can read and look at them every day. “They’re a constant reminder that they have a connection to somebody, and that’s what I think makes it probably even more valuable than a phone call,” says Lunde. (credit:Shutterstock)