A University of Michigan survey found that nearly 30% of Michiganders age 50 and over are caregivers. Nearly 70% of those people are caring for someone over the age of 65. (Adobe Stock)
February 20 is National Caregivers Day, a time to honor the millions of people who provide care to the elderly or those with chronic health conditions, often behind the scenes and without recognition.
According to AARP Michigan, about 1.6 million adults in the state are family caregivers, roughly 20% of the state’s population. They often provide uncompensated care to family members or friends.
Claire Cepuran, manager of clinical advocacy for the nonprofit Compassion & Choices, said the day is about honoring just how much caregivers do.
“We see that a lot of these people go underappreciated or underrecognized because a lot of this work is invisible to people who are not in that kind of situation,” Cepuran explained. “We see that especially with those informal or family caregivers.”
Most people think of caregivers as supportive family members or friends but Cepuran pointed out the day is also meant to recognize professional caregivers like nurses, doctors, home health care aides and counselors.
National data show nearly two-thirds of caregivers report high emotional stress and 45% report high physical strain as a direct result of caregiving responsibilities. Cepuran added many people are still working, either full-time or part-time, while trying to care for a loved one.
“That can be extremely challenging to juggle,” Cepuran acknowledged. “We find people in the position where they have to choose between this paid work that’s putting food on the table or having more time to care for the person who needs it.”
Cepuran pointed out her organization advocates for policies to expand access to respite care, either through programs providing direct support or funding to help families pay for in-home assistance with daily activities.
