Agenda - 11-07-2024; 8-r - Family Caregivers Month and Caregiver Day of Care Proclamation

Browse Search

2 this day of care will provide needed respite for family caregivers, while enabling attendees to engage in education and guided self-care activities. The Department of Aging recognizes that family caregivers are truly the backbone of 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 Endless Possibilities publication for activities and events geared towards supporting caregivers; • R Place social model respite program; • Caregiver Support groups; • Dementia Education programs; • 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, the Board will join 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 and grant funding. ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports: • GOAL 6: DIVERSE AND VIBRANT ECONOMY OBJECTIVE 5. Increase access to and awareness of resources and assistance available to residents and businesses. A recent study by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) indicates one in five adults 18 years of age and over will experience caregiving at some point in their lives. This equates to thousands of Orange County residents who may benefit from caregiver support programs. Approving this proclamation would increase awareness of the services offered by the Department on Aging for this population. • GOAL 2: HEALTHY COMMUNITY OBJECTIVE 7. Invest in services and programs that improve the health and quality of life of the community (e.g., recreation and public open spaces, arts, etc.) The Centers for Disease Control has recently declared caregiving as a public health issue. Caregiving often results in mental, physical, and financial strain, with one in five caregivers reporting poor health, and 80 percent of caregivers reporting out of pocket expenses, averaging $7,200 annually. Supporting this proclamation will raise awareness and demonstrate commitment to improving the health and quality of life of family caregivers.