HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 11-07-2024; 8-r - Family Caregivers Month and Caregiver Day of Care Proclamation 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: November 7, 2024
Action Agenda
Item No. 8-r
SUBJECT: Family Caregivers Month and Caregiver Day of Care Proclamation
DEPARTMENT: Aging
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Janice Tyler, Director, 245-4255
Proclamation Kendall McMillan, Aging Transitions
Administrator, 245-4278
PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation recognizing November 2024 as Family Caregivers Month
in Orange County and designating November 16, 2024 as Orange County's Caregiver Day of
Care.
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, caregivers 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 fifth annual
Caregiver Day of Care event on November 16, 2024, at the Seymour Center from 10:00 a.m. to
1:30 p.m., in an effort to honor family caregivers for caring selflessly for loved ones. Staff hopes
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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.
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RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve and authorize the
Chair to sign the proclamation designating November 2024 as Family Caregivers Month in Orange
County and November 16, 2024 as Orange County's Caregiver Day of Care.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION
FAMILY CAREGIVERS MONTH - NOVEMBER 2024
"CAREGIVER DAY OF CARE" - NOVEMBER 16, 2024
WHEREAS, Orange County estimates suggest there are more than 24,000 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 break 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 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 2024 as Family Caregivers Month in Orange County, recognize a
Caregiver Day of Care on November 16, 2024, 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, 2024.
Jamezetta Bedford, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners