According to Population Reference Bureau: Growing numbers of children in the United States are living with a grandparent. In 2010, about one in 14 U.S. children (7 percent) lived in a household headed by a grandparent—for a total of 5.4 million children, up from 4.7 million in 2005
National Family Caregivers Month started gaining national recognition in 1994. Now we celebrate each November as a time to recognize and honor family caregivers across the country. Celebrating Family Caregivers during NFC month enables all of us to:
- Raise awareness of family caregiver issues
- Celebrate the efforts of family caregivers
- Educate family caregivers about self-identification
- Increase support for family caregivers
It’s important to know that there are several resources that can help caregivers. “YOU ARE NOT ALONE”
- Caregiver Action Network: non-profit organization providing education, peer support, and resources to family caregivers across the country free of charge.
- Family Voice Inc.: offers information on healthcare policies relevant to special needs children in every state.
- Friends Health connection: links persons with illness or disability and their family caregivers with others experiencing the same challenges.
- U.S department of health and human services: Healthfinder.gov features links to more than 6,000 government and nonprofit health information resources on hundreds of health topics
- Family Care-giver Alliance: provides support and help to family caregivers and champions their cause through education, services, research and advocacy.
- Big Brothers Big Sisters: Mentoring agency As a Parent/Guardian you can give your child and opportunity to start them down a positive pathway and give them extra support with a Big Brother or Big Sister.
