Unpaid caregivers are “the backbone of long-term care” in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but that backbone is bending under the weight of what can sometimes be an emotionally and physically demanding responsibility.
In data collected between 2015 and 2017 from people age 45 and older, the CDC found that more than 22% of respondents had provided care or assistance to a friend or family member in the past 30 days, more than 31% of those had provided 20 or more hours of care per week, and more than half of caregivers had been giving care or assistance for two years or more.
More troubling, the CDC learned that more than half of caregivers had seen a decline in their own health and more than 40% had two or more chronic diseases of their own.
Those numbers and the rising burden of caregiving is why Coastline Elderly Services and Fairhaven Council on Aging are teaming up to offer resources, encouragement, and support to family caregivers who support those age 60 and older in a free Caregiver Fair on Sunday, Sept. 8.
The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Fairhaven Council on Aging and Rec Center at 229 Huttleston Ave.
The fair addresses a sometimes-unseen need, said Coastline Planner Zachary Boyer. When support is focused on the person in need, caregivers can be overlooked or can overlook their own needs.
“We know from working with caregivers that they need support, not just in the home with their loved ones, but also personal backup so they can take care of their own health needs,” Boyer said. “This event is a way for us to offer caregivers resources and access to knowledgeable professionals in one location while also providing social interactions with their peers and a free nourishing brunch.”
The Caregivers Fair will feature speakers on caregiving, resources and giveaways. There will also be complimentary brunch provided. The focus of the day will be on the caregiver and how he or she can balance caring for their loved ones with caring for themselves.
“We hope those who come enjoy a day that is dedicated to them and that they leave refreshed and with practical steps they can take to care for themselves while also supporting others,” Boyer said.
All family caregivers are welcome to attend the free event. To RSVP for the event, please call the Fairhaven Council on Aging at 508-979-4029 by Aug. 30.
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