HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 11-07-19 Item 4-a - Family Caregivers Month and Caregiver Day of Care Proclamation 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: November 7, 2019
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-a
SUBJECT: Family Caregivers Month and Caregiver Day of Care Proclamation
DEPARTMENT: Aging and Advisory Board on Aging
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Family Caregivers Month and Caregiver Janice Tyler, Director, 245-4255
Day of Care Proclamation Heather Altman, Chair, Advisory Board
on Aging
PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation designating November 9, 2019 as Orange County's
Caregiver Day of Care, and recognizing November 2019 as Family Caregivers Month.
BACKGROUND: November is National Family Caregivers Month, an observance that began
as National Family Caregivers Week in the mid-1990s. Former President Bill Clinton signed the
first National Family Caregivers Month Presidential Proclamation in 1997, and every president
since has followed suit by issuing an annual proclamation recognizing and honoring family
caregivers each November. The importance of family caregivers has gained recognition over
the years, and the National Family Caregivers awareness week has grown into an awareness
month due to former President Barack Obama's proclamation in 2012.
Family caregivers fulfill a variety of roles. In addition to becoming experts about their loved
ones' health, they act as liaisons with healthcare providers, insurance companies, and legal and
financial entities. They prepare meals, perform housekeeping duties, transportation and hygiene
duties, and often provide very sophisticated care, including managing complex medication
schedules. Caregivers sometimes deal with problem behaviors, and offer socialization for those
suffering from long-term illnesses. At this time of year, with holidays approaching, families are
often overwhelmed by emotional distress as they cope with losses and memories of past times.
Family caregivers who care (mostly) at home for loved ones with debilitating, long-term health
conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, often do so with little to no
information or training. The Orange County Department on Aging aims to change that by
providing several programs and services catered to family caregivers by appreciating the hard
work they tirelessly do.
In honor of National Family Caregivers Month, the Department on Aging will hold its first annual
Caregiver's Day of Care event on November 9, 2019 at the Seymour Center from 10 a.m. — 2
p.m., in an effort to honor family caregivers for caring selflessly for loved-ones. Staff hopes this
day of care will provide needed respite for family caregivers, while enabling attendees to engage
in wellness, education and supportive services.
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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.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION
FAMILY CAREGIVERS MONTH - NOVEMBER 2019
"CAREGIVER DAY OF CARE" - NOVEMBER 9, 2019
WHEREAS, Orange County estimates suggest there are more than 20,000 family
caregivers in Orange County; and
WHEREAS, Orange County recognizes that making time for yourself and family
protects a family caregiver's own health, strengthens family relationships, prevents
burnout and can enable a care recipient to stay at home up to three times longer. The
chance to take a breather and re-energize is vital in order for one to be as good a
caregiver tomorrow as you were today; and
WHEREAS, Orange County understands 6 out of 10 family caregivers juggle everyday
life tasks, such as preparing children for school, managing household responsibilities,
and working full or part-time, and as vital members of care teams, have the
responsibility of advocating for their loved ones and making decisions that lead to the
best care outcomes, whether it be for an older adult with Alzheimer's or related
dementia or living with a chronic condition; and
WHEREAS, National Family Caregivers Month — celebrated each November— is a time
to recognize and honor family caregivers across the country, and celebrating Family
Caregivers during National Family Caregivers Month enables all of us to:
• Raise awareness of family caregiver issues;
• Celebrate the efforts of family caregivers;
• Educate family caregivers about supportive resources; and
Increase support for family caregivers;
NOW THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby
proclaim November 2019 as Family Caregivers Month in Orange County, recognize a
Caregiver Day of Care on November 9, 2019, and urge Orange County residents to
take time this month to recognize family caregivers as the unsung heroes of our families
and community.
This the 7th day of November, 2019.
Penny Rich, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners