November is National Family Caregivers Month
National Family Caregivers Month (NFCM) is celebrated every Novemberand provides an opportunity to recognize and honor family caregivers across the country. It can raise awareness of caregiving issues, serve to educate communities, and increase supports for caregivers. This nation-wide observance is led by Caregiver Action Network (CAN), a nonprofit that provides free education, peer support, and resources to family caregivers. The theme for 2025 is "Plug in to Care." Many family caregivers are unaware and therefore do not connect with local and national resources that can make a difference throughout their caregiving journeys.
Family members are the primary source of support for older adults living with dementias in Vermont. Many family caregivers work and provide care - managing these competing responsibilities at the same time. In Vermont, 1 in 3 dementia family caregivers has been a caregiver for 5 years or longer; nearly 40% are caring for a parent or parent-in-law. One in four VT caregivers spends 40 or more hours per week on their caregiving responsibilities. Caregiving is emotionally and physically demanding, disrupts a work life balance and may cause financial stress which affects mental health outcomes. Here in Vermont, 41% of dementia caregivers have a diagnosis of depression.
Click the buttons below for resources designed just for caregivers, including details about the University of Vermont Health Network’s Dementia Family Caregivers Center.
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