November is National Caregivers Awareness Month, a month of observance to honor and recognize caregivers nationwide. Caregivers not only give emotional support to our loved ones, but they also perform personal care, medical assistance, and other life management tasks that we cannot provide to our loved ones alone.
National Caregivers Awareness Month originated in 1997 by President Clinton and has since been proclaimed annually by every president to recognize and honor family caregivers. Too often, caregivers are undervalued and unrecognized. Thus, this month, we draw attention to making caregiver services more accessible for families, with efforts being undertaken at the federal and state levels. Frequently, families have to sacrifice their jobs and incomes to stay at home and take care of their loved ones.
November is a month to not only appreciate our caregivers but to educate ourselves and provide better support to caregivers. It is a time in which we can advocate for better pay and resources for our caregivers- while also advocating for affordable caregiving services for families.
We are proud to say that in Central Florida, we have several non-profits and groups that provide caregiving support, especially ones that are affordable and accessible for everyone in our community. See below for groups and nonprofits that offer caregiving support across Central Florida.
- Share the Care is a nonprofit in Central Florida that provides services, education, and support to family caregivers who wish to maintain their loved ones at home rather than in institutional care.
- Meals on Wheels is a nonprofit that provides meals, support services, and assistance for seniors.
- Seniors First is a nonprofit social service organization helping adults age 60+ in Central Florida with assistance and support for seniors with limited options and for those wishing to live at home. Seniors First offers a range of quality programs and services, including home-delivered meals to homebound seniors, in-home care, guardianship, and medical equipment.
- Senior Resource Alliance coordinates, develops, monitors, and provides services for elders in Brevard, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties, allowing them to age with independence and dignity.
- Senior Care Authority serves Central Florida by providing support and resources for those looking for senior placement services.
- Catholic Charities of Central Florida- Senior Services provides housing services for low-income seniors, as well as social and development programs.
- Center for Independent Living promotes inclusion of people with disabilities by eliminating architectural, communication, and attitudinal barriers by providing education, resources, and training to enhance self-determination through informed choice.
- Elders Option is a not-for-profit organization that seeks to be an unbiased place to connect seniors, those with disabilities, and caregivers with information, resources, and assistance.
- Family Home Care of Central Florida offers customized care services for families based on their personalized needs. It offers senior care services at home as an affordable alternative to nursing homes.
- Grace Medical Home provides continuous, comprehensive primary care. Patients have an ongoing and personal relationship with their physician and a place to turn for their healthcare needs.
- Orange County provides a gathering place where seniors can socialize and stay physically active with a $10 annual membership.
Are there other organizations we should uplift? Let us know by dropping us a note.