Agenda 11-07-19 Item 4-a - Family Caregivers Month and Caregiver Day of Care Proclamation

Browse Search

2 The Department of Aging recognizes that family caregivers are truly the backbone of their families and communities. Many however are under great stress and do not always have the information they need when taking responsibility for a loved one's care. This November, the Department is proud to offer a variety of caregiving related programs and services for individualized and community caregivers, which include: • Special designation in the Senior Times publication for activities and events geared towards supporting caregivers; • A Care Partner Collaborative respite co-op group; • Caregiver Support groups; • Dementia Education Collaborative; • Trainings for community partners and individuals; • Memory Cafes; • In-home caregiver assistance; • Options Counseling; • Memory Screenings; and • A Caregiver monthly E-Newsletter. For many years the Orange County Board of Commissioners has issued proclamations for older adults throughout Orange County. If approved, this will be the first year the Board joins with the Federal and State governments in designating the month of November as Family Caregivers Month as a time to honor family caregivers and care partners for their tireless work in service to their loved ones and as the unsung heroes of both their families and communities. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with approval of the proclamation. The Caregiver Day of Care event is being supported by donations, sponsorships, and local businesses. SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to this item: • GOAL: ENSURE ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY The creation and preservation of infrastructure, policies, programs and funding necessary for residents to provide shelter, food, clothing and medical care for themselves and their dependents. Family Caregivers are overwhelmingly providing the majority of care for older adults in the community and save the system, themselves, and health insurance providers, as well as government, thousands of dollars annually for their service. According to a recent AARP study, family caregivers typically spend $7,000 annually of their own money providing assistance to their loved one. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal impact associated with this item. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation designating November 2019 as Family Caregivers Month and November 9, 2019 as Orange County's Caregiver Day of Care.