NEW YORK STATE — Recently, the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) recognized November as National Family Caregivers Month. 

If you routinely provide unpaid help to a friend or family member, then you are a caregiver. Caregiving can include many activities: household tasks, transportation help, assisting with medical or self-care needs, and more. NYSOFA offers caregiver programs for individuals of all ages who provide unpaid caring for someone else, including many digital resources and supports.

In New York State every year, more than four million caregivers provide more than $39 billion in direct and indirect care to assist a relative, friend or neighbor regardless of age. Caregiving can take a toll on a caregiver’s physical and mental health. The ARCHANGELS Caregiver Intensity Index (CII) is being used statewide for caregiver assessments, revealing the many drivers of caregiving intensity, such as family disagreements and financial stress, among other factors. 

According to CII data, nearly 30 percent of caregivers are “in the red,” meaning they are experiencing the most severe caregiving burden or are in crisis.

More than half of unpaid caregivers do not even self-identify as caregivers. These are family members, friends or neighbors who provide uncompensated care and support to someone else, such as a spouse, an older parent, children, or someone with chronic or other medical conditions.

NYSOFA, the Association on Aging in New York (AgingNY) and learning platform Trualta offer lessons or attended support groups through a caregiver portal.

“Family, friends and neighbors are unsung heroes who all too often do not get the recognition they deserve for providing care to a loved one day in and day out,” said Greg Olsen, NYSOFA director. The caregiver portal can help, he added.

Offices for the aging in New York State deliver more than 20 services to help older adults age in place. These services and supports include transportation, nutrition programs (home-delivered and congregate) meals, personal care, legal services, social programs (including friendly calls or visiting programs), and more. And they help caregivers by lending a hand and offering advice.

NYSOFA and the aging services network also provide support directly to caregivers, such as respite programs.

To learn more, visit www.aging.ny.gov/ or call NY Connects at 800/342-9871.