November is National Family Caregiver Month

The Pennsylvania Department of Aging recognizes November as National Family Caregiver Month.
According to the state agency, Pennsylvania has about 1.2 million unpaid caregivers, making it the fourth largest caregiver population in the country. These caregivers contribute more than $13,000 of free service every year the agency estimates and as the older population increases, more adults will assume the role of caregiver.
According to a 2009 National Alliance on Caregiving and AARP survey, 23 percent of those taking the survey who worked as caregivers for five or more years reported a decline in health.
The Department of Aging assists caregivers through its Family Caregiver Support Program, offering information, respite care, training, assistance with home modifications and financial assistance for some expenses.
The program is administered through local Area Agencies on Aging. For more information about the program visit www.aging.state.pa.us