But who is a caregiver?  Do you know a caregiver?  Often it is difficult to identify a caregiver because they often struggle silently and in private.

Caregivers are family, friends, co-workers, employees, partners, and neighbors. It doesn’t matter how many hours per week caregivers spend providing support or if the caregiver provides support to a young adult or to a senior parent. 

Caring for a family member or friend is not easy, nor is it something most of us are prepared to do.   Becoming a caregiver often happens quickly and unexpectedly due to illness, accident or because another caregiver can no longer provide the care.

It is estimated 44.4 million Americans age 18 or older are providing unpaid care to an adult.  Many caregivers fulfill multiple roles such as being a spouse, parent, and employee as well as being a caregiver.  Many caregivers are baby boomers. Most caregivers are married or living with a partner and most are working and managing care giving responsibilities at the same time. The most frequently reported unmet needs of the caregiver is finding time for themselves, managing emotional and physical stress, and balancing work and family responsibilities. It is important that as a caregiver, you maintain good health, make time for yourself, set limits, and allow others to help!  Seek out support and assistance whenever possible, you don’t have to do this all alone.

If you or someone you know is a caregiver there are many resources out there to assist you.  Your local Area Agency on Aging and other organizations may offer services to assist you in your caregiving role. These services may include Support Groups, Meals on Wheels, caregiver training classes, transportation and respite care so that you can have a break.

Following is a list of helpful services that may assist you and relieve some of the stress associated with caregiving responsibilities:

Home Care
There are many types of home care and it is important to think about what type of services you need before contacting an agency. Home care services can include medical care, social support and help with chores or tasks of daily living. Services are delivered in the privacy of the home. Home care can help if there are ongoing care needs that family and friends cannot take care of alone.

Home Health Care
Home health care includes skilled nursing care, as well as other skilled care services, like physical and occupational therapy, speech- language therapy, and medical social services. These services are given by a variety of skilled health care professionals at home.

Non-Medical Home Care
If your loved one needs help with non-medical tasks or simply needs companionship you may want to consider hiring a non-medical home care service. These services may help with household chores including cooking, laundry, shopping, cleaning, bill paying and driving your loved one to appointments. One of the benefits of this type of service is companionship with someone who is focused on caring for and talking with your loved one.

Senior Centers
Senior Centers offer a safe environment where the senior can take part in a range of activities encouraging social interaction. Meal and nutrition programs, information and assistance, health and wellness programs, recreational and arts programs, transportation services and educational opportunities are often available through your local senior center.

Adult Day Care Services
For older persons with serious limitations in their mobility, those who are frail, and those who have medical and cognitive problems, adult day care centers can provide care in a safe, structured environment. Adult day care services include personal and nursing care, congregate meals, therapeutic exercises, and social and recreational activities.

The National Family Caregivers Association
A caregiver membership organization provides services in the areas of information and education, support, public awareness and advocacy for caregivers. 1-800-896-3650 Website: http://www.nfcacares.org

ARCH (The National Respite Locator Service)
The National Respite Locator Service helps parents, caregivers, and professionals with disabilities, those with chronic or terminal illness, or children at risk for neglect and abuse find respite services in their state and local area. 1-800-773-5433. Website: http://www.respitelocator.org/index.htm

The Arc
The Arc is the national organization of and for people with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities and their families. It is devoted to promoting and improving supports and services for people with mental retardation and their families. The association also fosters research and education regarding the prevention of mental retardation in infants and young children. Website: http://www.thearc.org

Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association is a national voluntary health organization supporting Alzheimer's research and care. On this site, you'll find information about Alzheimer’s disease, programs, services, and advocacy. Website: http://www.alz.org

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
AARP is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to addressing the needs and interests of persons 50 and older. Through information and education, advocacy and service, AARP seeks to enhance the quality of life for all by promoting independence, dignity and purpose. Website: http://www.aarp.org/indexes/health.html#caregiving

Family Caregiver Alliance
The Family Caregiver Alliance is a nonprofit organization that addresses the needs of families and friends providing long-term care at home. The Caregiver Alliance has developed a wide array of services based on consumer needs and is often described as a "one-stop” shopping center for caregivers. Website: http://www.caregiver.org

National Alliance for Caregiving
The National Alliance for Caregiving conducts research, develops national projects, and increases public awareness of important family care giving issues. Website: http://www.caregiving.org