IDENTIFYING AS A FAMILY CAREGIVER
Give Yourself Some Credit
As a family member or friend of someone who has dementia, it’s common to not see yourself as “caregiving,” since what you are doing comes naturally. Yet, recognizing that you are in fact, a caregiver can be the first step toward reducing your stress, building resilience, and finding hope for the future.
A family caregiver is defined as someone who provides unpaid care for someone else. Whether that someone else is a loved one, friend, or other acquaintance, upon self-identifying as a family caregiver, 90% of caregivers report that they became more proactive in seeking the resources and skills that they need.
Source: National Family Caregivers Association (2001). Survey of Self-Identified Family Caregivers
6 million
Americans live with Alzheimer’s disease (60-80% are dementia)
30.7%
of family caregivers of adults, thought seriously about suicide
Stressed senior caregivers have
63% higher mortality rates
compared to non-caregivers
Each year Americans provide
15.3 billion
hours of unpaid care for family and friends with dementia
SUPPORT IS NECESSARY
There Is No Harder Journey Than the Role of a Family Caregiver
Caring for someone who has dementia is often physically, emotionally and financially draining. Because of this, family caregivers often find it very difficult to care for themselves. At the Meaning and Hope Institute we support you as the caregiver so you can continue to find hope and meaning in your relationship with someone who has dementia. With support you can increase your resiliency, your ability to withstand the pressures, and grow stronger despite the stress and grief that often goes on month after month, and year after year.
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Find Your Meaning and Hope Again
If you are a family caregiver, you don’t have to take the overwhelming caregiving journey alone. We are here to help you.
There are a wide range of discussion series, video discussions, educational and entertainment resources, and family caregiver support groups, all available at no charge.
