National Caregivers Day

National Caregivers Day is celebrated on the third Thursday of February. This day honors those people who devote their lives to giving personal, physical, and emotional support to others. Caregivers can be an essential part of the lives of people with disabilities. Without caregivers in the home, many people would require permanent placement in nursing home facilities or other institutions at a great financial and emotional cost.

Given the role that caregivers play in supporting independent living, we gladly celebrate February 18th as National Caregiver Day. 

Related: 2022 Marks the 50th Anniversary of the Independent Living Movement

There are many kinds of caregivers; family members or friends are the most common, but they are not alone. There are also professional caregivers, private duty caregivers, independent caregivers, and informal caregivers. Many caregivers are volunteers and not paid, so honoring them and appreciating them is a way to give thanks.

History of National Caregivers Day

National Caregivers Day was established in 2015 with the first recognized date on the calendar in 2016. National Caregivers Day is on the third Thursday of February each year. National Caregiver Day is intended to celebrate the work that the country's caregivers do. 

Caregivers have impactful but difficult roles to play in helping others navigate barriers to independent living. 

Caregiver statistics

From providing emotional support to nutrition and health to administrative duties, there is almost no area of a person's life that a caregiver may need to support. 

• Approximately 55 million caregivers (more than 1 of 5 Americans) have provided unpaid care to an adult or child in the last 12 months.
• Approximately 39.8 million caregivers (or 16.6% of Americans) provide care to adults (aged 18+) with a disability or illness.
• Caregivers spend the equivalent of six days in a month helping with self-care activities (grooming, feeding, dressing, bathing, and walking).
• Caregivers spend the equivalent of 13 days a month doing household tasks (commuting, cleaning, doing the laundry, monitoring medication, shopping, and cooking special meals).
• Caregivers spend about 13 hours per month coordinating care and office visits and helping manage finances.
• 26% of Caregivers reported problems with coordinating care.

Caregiver Burnout

The burden of caregiving can impact the caregiver’s life.

• About 43% have reported negative financial impact due to caregiving.
• Approximately 40% of caregivers feel emotionally stressed.
• About 23% report that caregiving has made their health worse.

Signs of caregiver burnout

Emotional Signs:

• feeling anxious, depressed, or exhausted
• neglecting your own needs and health
• being irritable
• feeling a lack of energy
• avoiding people
• losing interest in things you used to like to do

Physical Signs:

• body aches and pains
• insomnia
• fatigue or decreased energy
• frequent infections (may be related to a weakened immune system)
• tension headaches or other kinds of headaches
• increased or decreased appetite
• unusual changes in weight

Given the burden of caregiving on an individual, caregivers have been increasingly recognized as having an important role in many people’s lives. Many organizations and groups that support those with disabilities have also developed ways to support caregivers.

For resources on organizations and groups to support caregivers, visit Care Giver Action.

If you have a caregiver in your life, do not forget to show your appreciation for their service and support today.