National Caregivers Day is observed on Feb. 19 this year. The day honors individuals who provide personal care, along with physical and emotional support to those who need it most. 

Below are some interesting Maryland statistics on caregiving:

• 760,000 family caregivers in Maryland provide unpaid care valued at $12.5 billion dollars annually.
• 710 million hours of unpaid care were provided last year at $17.61 economic value per hour.
• 66% work full time, 23% are employed part-time and 24% are retired. 
• 40% of Maryland caregivers are men. 
• Number of care recipients: 76% care for one adult; 24% care for two or more adults.

Below are websites for more interesting statistics on caregiving:

www.cdc.gov/aging/data/infographic/2019/maryland-caregiving.html

aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/51/fe/17ad80e7466086534f3240af9466/marylandcaregiverfactsheet.pdf

www.caregiver.org/resource/caregiver-statistics-demographics

Take time to take care of yourself. Below are some ways to do so:

1. Consider attending the senior centers in Calvert County. Most of our programs are for adults 50 and over. If possible, bring the person you are caring for and join an activity together. 
2. Join a support group.
3. Get supportive counseling.
4. Make an appointment with the Office on Aging for a free caregiver consultation to learn what resources may be available to you.