AARP The Magazine spent 24 hours filming the
emotional day in the life of caregivers across America
WASHINGTON, Oct. 13, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --
November is National Family Caregivers Month and AARP is launching a national
campaign to bring awareness to the important role that family caregivers play
in the lives of their loved ones.
AARP's Random Acts of
Kindness for Caregivers contest will begin on October
15 with the goal of encouraging people to recognize and reward caregivers
– many of whom spend 18 hours per week providing care like bathing, dressing,
preparing meals, administering medications, driving to doctor visits or paying
bills – in small but meaningful ways.
"Caregiving may be one of the greatest
expressions of love and it's woven into the lives of one in six adults,"
says AARP Family and Caregiving Expert Amy Goyer, author of the new book
Juggling Life, Work and Caregiving.
"A staggering 40 million family
caregivers provide support for loved ones and, as a caregiver myself, I know
that the smallest acts of kindness – like holding a door for someone pushing a
wheelchair, surprising them with flowers, or even taking a caregiver's dog for
a walk – can be memorable moments in the life of a caregiver."
Kindness Contest to Help Family Caregivers
More than half of caregivers say they feel
overwhelmed by the amount of care their family member needs.
Through the Random
Acts of Kindness for Caregivers contest, AARP hopes that by encouraging people
to show family caregivers small signs of support, it might encourage
overwhelmed caregivers, free them up to have more time with loved ones they
care for, or even give them personal time to relax and rejuvenate.
Those
sharing simple acts of kindness are encouraged to submit stories and a photo of
their random acts to the contest website found atwww.aarp.org/caregiverkindness.
In March, AARP will select 12 winners who have made a meaningful difference in
the lives of family caregivers. The winners will share
a $10,000 prize.
24 Hours Inside a Caregiver's World
The October issue of AARP The Magazine is
taking readers inside the hearts and homes of caregivers across the country.
Through pictures, videos and compelling stories, readers will learn
about ordinary people caring for spouses, friends, children, and parents. Some
of the families featured live with the people they care for and one caregiver
has to board a plane frequently to care for her mom.
Overall, the face of caregiving is changing.
While most caregivers are women, 40 percent of caregivers are men.
Surprisingly, 1 in 4 caregivers is a Millennial (between the ages of 18 and 34)
and 60 percent of caregivers provide care for an adult while working outside of
the home, requiring them to balance caregiving and work
responsibilities.
Virtual Family Caregiving Fair
To help caregivers like the ones featured in AARP
The Magazine, AARP is hosting a Virtual Family Caregiving Fair that will
take place on Thursday, November 19,
2015 from 12pm – 4pm EST. From the comfort of a home
or office, a caregiver can register and join the free fair online at aarp.org/familycarefair.
During the virtual fair, a
caregiver can tour the exhibit hall with over 15 booths showcasing various
caregiving resources and programs, enter a "mix and mingle" lounge to
connect with experts and other caregivers through online chats, visit a virtual
auditorium to view scheduled and on-demand presentations and videos, and
explore a library with additional resources for caregivers.
For more information about how AARP is supporting
National Family Caregivers Month and for more caregiving resources, visit the
AARP Caregiving Resource Center at http://www.aarp.org/caregiving.
About AARP
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with
a membership of nearly 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and
dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the
issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income
security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from
financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting
products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well
as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and
services. A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational
information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation
magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org;
AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Espanol, a Spanish-language
website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse
candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or
candidates. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides
security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support
from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in
all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and
the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.
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