University of Wisconsin - Extension

MADISON, Wis.—National Family Caregivers Month, observed every November, is a nationally recognized observance that seeks to draw attention to the many challenges facing family caregivers, advocate for stronger public policy to address family caregiving issues, and raise awareness about community programs that support family caregivers. In November, the Wisconsin Alliance for Family Caregiving, along with numerous national organizations, major corporations and community-based groups around the country, will celebrate National Family Caregivers Month to thank and support our nation’s family caregivers.

According to the National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA), in any given year over 50 million people provide some level of caregiving services. Those services are valued at more than $306 billion a year. Family caregivers provide more than 80 percent of all home care services. Of today’s family caregivers, 40 percent provide some level of nursing support. And, 48 percent of family caregivers work full time, costing American businesses as much as $34 billion each year due to employees’ need to care for loved ones.

Formed in 2000, the Wisconsin Alliance for Family Caregiving is pleased to have the opportunity to formally recognize and celebrate the valuable role caregivers play. The Alliance has greatly enhanced the education provided to family caregivers in Wisconsin. It has trained class leaders throughout the state for the four curriculums it currently supports and assisted them in getting classes started in their communities. It has established task forces that oversee the curriculums and sponsored two statewide caregiver institutes.

During the first half of 2005, the Alliance conducted listening sessions around the state, attended by more than 160 people who shared information on programs for caregivers in their areas and ideas on how the Alliance could help them to assist caregivers. The Alliance is governed by a 15-member volunteer board of directors representing all areas of the state.

The four curricula for professional educators and family caregivers currently supported by the Alliance are:

Caregiving Near Life's End: A train-the-trainer course for professionals working with family caregivers. The curriculum helps caregivers deal with end-of-life issues, such as completion and closure, personal relationships, the meaning of life and bereavement.

Caregiving Relationships for People Who Care for Adults: A train-the-trainer workshop for professionals working with family caregivers. The curriculum focuses on reducing emotional pressures, preventing elder abuse and strengthening relationships between caregivers and care receivers.

Elder Care and Work: Finding the Balance: Education for family caregivers in the work place. A train-the-trainer seminar for professionals who interact with workplace supervisors or employees. The curriculum focuses on specific strategies to help caregivers find balance and meet the personal and other needs of the care recipient while remaining productive on the job.

Powerful Tools for Caregivers: A six-week course for caregivers of older adults with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and other disabling conditions. The curriculum helps caregivers build communication skills, lower stress, set goals, make tough decisions, and communicate with family members and medical providers.

For more information, contact your county UW-Extension office or county or tribal Aging Office. For the location of your county or tribal Aging Office, consult http://www.dhfs.state.wi.us/aging/contacts/COAGOF.HTM or call the state Bureau of Aging and Long Term Care Resources at 608-266-2536. For county specific family caregiving data, visit the University of Wisconsin-Extension web site at http://www.uwex.edu/ces/flp/demographics/caregiving/index.cfm.

To learn more about the Wisconsin Alliance for Family Caregiving, staff can be contacted by emailing to flp@uwex.edu, by calling 608-262-5871, or by going to the Alliance web site at http://www.uwex.edu/ces/flp/families/caregiving.cfm.