November 2024: Family Caregivers Month

WHEREAS, approximately 1.7 million Michigan residents provide more than 1.12 billion hours of unpaid care for older adults, service members, veterans, people with disabilities, and those with serious and/or chronic health conditions, including populations that face health disparities that can have a profound, negative effect on individuals, populations, and communities; and,

WHEREAS, family caregivers provide a broad range of assistance to care for recipients in Michigan, with 49.3% managing personal care (giving medications, feeding, dressing, or bathing) and 80.1% managing household tasks (cleaning, managing money, or preparing meals) according to 2023 Michigan Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data; and,

WHEREAS, a person age 60 or older resides in 38% of all Michigan households, and 29% of adults have a disability, with the demand for family caregivers expected to increase as Michigan's population ages; and,

WHEREAS, tens of thousands of Michigan residents access one or more respite or other caregiver services across aging, disability, and behavioral health programs each year to help them live independently in their homes or communities; and,

WHEREAS, there are many unpaid caregivers who are unaware of available community supports or who don't see themselves as caregivers and aren't accessing many of the tools that can alleviate their stress; and,

WHEREAS, Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, Engage (RAISE) Family Caregiver Advisory Council members note that only when caregiving is widely recognized as a universal life experience will family caregivers themselves feel comfortable asking for and accepting the support they need; and,

WHEREAS, according to the National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers, there is a particular need to engage the private sector, employers, and industry to better recognize and support employees who are family caregivers; and,

WHEREAS, direct care workforce shortages result in more hours of care and higher-intensity care by family and other unpaid caregivers who are often relatives, but may also be friends, neighbors, and coworkers; and,

WHEREAS, unpaid family caregiving provides an economic value of $19.6 billion according to AARP, significantly contributing to the state's health care system; and,

WHEREAS, resources for family caregivers such as support groups, toolkits, and workshops are available through Area Agencies on Aging, disability advocacy organizations, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and community-based services; and,

WHEREAS, nationally and in Michigan, in honor and recognition of dedicated caregivers whose activities and supports benefit countless people, we acknowledge the importance of family and friends who provide care and attention to others;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim November 2024 as Family Caregivers Month in Michigan.