About National Family Caregivers Month
Each November, National Family Caregivers Month gives us an opportunity to recognize the 2 million Pennsylvanians who provide care and support to family, friends, and others who need a little help. Last year alone, caregivers provided over 2 billion hours of unpaid care across the Commonwealth. Throughout the month, we celebrate their tireless dedication by raising awareness of the important role caregivers play in our communities and sharing resources to help keep them supported, healthy, and connected.
Overview
About PA CareKit: A collection of tools, information, and support to help caregivers learn more, plan ahead, or catch their breath. The Carekit offers support and guidance for caregivers – because caregiving rarely comes with instructions.
About Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Related Disorders (ADRD) Office: This toolkit was created by the PA Department of Aging’s ADRD Office. The office coordinates statewide efforts to reduce the burden and impact of ADRD on Pennsylvanians through risk reduction strategies, promotion of early detection and diagnosis, support for caregivers and families, and strengthening community-clinical linages.
About the Caregiver Support Program (CSP): CSP provides resources and assistance to individuals who assume the primary responsibility for the provision of care to encourage a healthy, ongoing relationship with their care receiver.
About PA Link to Aging and Disability Services: Pennsylvania’s statewide resource that connects older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers to local services, support, and information to help maintain independence and community living.
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Proclamation By the Governor
WHEREAS, there are an estimated 2A million family caregivers across our Commonwealth who are helping their older parents, spouses, and other loved ones live independently in their homes and communities instead of in nursing homes; and
WHEREAS, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania alone, family caregivers provide an estimated 2.1 billion hours of uncompensated care annually, delivering an economic value of approximately $40 billion to the Commonwealth and drastically alleviating the financial and operational strain on municipal, county, and state-subsidized healthcare systems; and
WHEREAS, family caregivers often go above and beyond expectations through responsibilities such as managing medications and medical care, preparing meals, helping with bathing, feeding, and dressing, providing transportation to medical appointments, handling financial and legal matters, and managing household stability while preserving the dignity and independence of our most vulnerable citizens
WHEREAS, of the nearly 70 percent of family caregivers in Pennsylvania who also work full or part-time at paying jobs, many are forced to cut back their hours or quit their jobs entirely to make sure their loved one gets the care they need; and
WHEREAS, my Administration is committed to the success of our caregivers by delivering access to respite care, addressing the need for formal and informal support, and providing financial reimbursement for out-of-pocket costs associated with caregiving-related services and supplies.
THEREFORE, I, Josh Shapiro, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby proclaim November 2026 to be
Family Caregivers Month
to recognize these essential individuals and encourage all Pennsylvanians to connect with and support family caregivers throughout our Commonwealth.
GIVEN under my hand and the Seal of the Governor, at the City of Harrisburg, on this twenty-first day of October two thousand twenty-six, the year of the Commonwealth the two hundred fifty-first.
Governor Josh Shapiro
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The Importance of Connection and Respite for Caregivers
Caregiving is meaningful work that can be exhausting and rewarding at the same time. Many caregivers experience high levels of stress, fatigue, sleep disruption, and feelings of isolation. That’s why taking breaks, also known as respite, is not a luxury but a key part of staying healthy as a caregiver.
So, what does respite really mean? It can look different for everyone. Respite options may include in-home support, short-term stays in care facilities, adult day services, or asking trusted family and friends to share responsibilities. Building a circle of support is essential. Caregivers were never meant to carry everything alone, and involving the people close to you as you do this work is normal and necessary. If you are reading this, you probably know that caring for another person is an experience that can be as exhausting as it can be fulfilling and worthwhile. The challenges facing caregivers are real and backed up by data. The Family Caregiver Alliance’s research shows that caregivers face significant mental and physical health risks, with 40% to 70% exhibiting depressive symptoms and up to 20% rating their general health as fair or poor. Getting ahead of burnout can help you cope with the ups and downs of caregiving and protect your long-term wellbeing.
One of the most important things you can do is ask for help and accept it when it is offered. Consider creating a simple list to share with family and friends of ways others can support you, like prepping meals, running errands, offering companionship, or helping with household tasks. People often want to help but may not know what you need or are worried they will increase your load by asking questions.
It may sound silly but sometimes we all need a reminder that we need to focus on what can be done rather than what feels out of reach. Small steps still matter. Set realistic goals, prioritize tasks that need attention now, and break down larger responsibilities into smaller more manageable pieces.
Don’t forget that your health matters too. Talk with your doctor about any physical or emotional concerns and think about setting a few personal wellness goals. That might mean adding more movement to your day, getting outside, protecting time for rest or simply taking a quiet moment.
Social connection matters too. Try and make time each week to connect with other people whether that is through a support group, faith community, library program, casual time with friends, or chatting with your favorite staff at a local shop. Staying connected can help recharge your battery and remind you that you are more than the care you provide.
Of course, you may be thinking that taking time for yourself and asking for help sounds good, but easier said than done. That’s where practical support can make the real difference.
Memory Cafés offer meaningful opportunities for connection, providing a welcoming space where caregivers and people living with dementia can meet others who truly understand their experiences. Adult Day Programs can provide safe and engaging places for your loved ones to stay while you get several hours of valuable respite or workday care. Caregiver support groups can also strengthen your community, offering encouragement and a sense of community.
There are also services and supports available through state agencies, such as the Department of Aging’s Caregiver Support Program (CSP). This program aims to provide access to respite care, address the need for formal and informal supports, and may provide financial reimbursement for out-of-pocket costs. The PA CareKit also offers a variety of practical resources on topics ranging from navigating care and support options.
As a caregiver, you give so much of your time, energy, and patience to someone else, often in ways that others may never see. Thank you for the care you provide. What you do matters and so do you.
Need More Help?:
The PA Link will can help you locate resources near you. Call 1-800-753-8827 to speak to a care representative who will help you navigate the different options that may work best for you.
Your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is also here to help navigate services in your community. Find your AAA to speak with a representative and get connected to resources in your county.