November is National Family Caregivers Month

On October 30, 2009, President Obama proclaimed November to be National Family Caregivers Month. In his proclamation, President Obama highlighted two programs that should help family caregivers in their quest to balance their personal and professional lives with their care of family or friends; The National Family Caregiver Support Program and the Lifespan Respite Care Act. The National Family Caregivers Month was started by the National Family Caregivers Association to thank, support, and educate family caregivers. I believe that one of goals of all organizations trying to support and educate family caregivers is to help those who see themselves as the niece caring for her aunt with breast cancer or the son caring for his elderly parents identify themselves as caregivers. I believe this is critical because until people identify themselves as family caregivers instead of family members helping those they love most of the legislation and organizational support available will not be requested or sought out.

Caregiver postage stamp petition

The Future of Aging Blog has done a great job of highlighting the push by the National Family Caregivers Association to get a caregiver stamp. I think this is a great idea. There needs to be more political discussion about the dilemmas and contributions to society by family caregivers. If you agree that this is a worthy cause, please click here to help push for a Caregiver Commemorative Stamp.