DHS offers resources to help family caregivers

This November, DHS and Caregiver Action Network are honoring the family caregivers who do more than just serve as caregivers. Many caregivers have jobs in addition to caregiving, and they work around the clock to serve in their caregiver role. This year’s theme for National Family Caregivers Month is #PlugInToCare. The theme focuses on connection – helping caregivers “plug in” to vital support tools, trusted networks, and educational resources that can make the caregiving journey less overwhelming and more supported.  

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Assistant Deputy Commissioner MaryLea Boatwright Quinn with Governor Kemp's National Family Caregivers Month Proclamation

In Georgia, the need for caregivers continues to grow. According to the Caregiver Action Network, there are 63 million caregivers in the U.S. Nearly 1 in 5 adults are caregivers and 60% of Georgia caregivers are women. Caregivers themselves are also aging, as 20% of them are over age 65. A third of caregivers have provided at least 20 hours of care per week and 80% manage household tasks. The care they provide is around the clock to maintain quality of life, independence, and physical and social well-being for their loved ones.  

Family caregivers selflessly step up to care for loved ones by ensuring they get to their doctor’s appointments, take their medications, and get bathed and fed, among other things. There are also kinship caregivers who take care of a relative when a parent is unable to care for the child. These may include an aunt, uncle, or grandparent. Resources for kinship caregivers can be found here.  

For caregivers in need of assistance like adult day and adult day health care, legal assistance, nutrition services, respite care (including personal care and homemaker services), telephone counseling, and other supportive services, call the Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ARDC) at 1-866-552-4464 or visit the Division of Aging Services website at aging.georgia.gov. For resource guides, check out the national Caregiver Action Network website at www.caregiveraction.org.   

Related to: 

• Division of Aging Services