November is National Family Caregivers Month

RALEIGH — To help honor North Carolina's 2.28 million family caregivers, Governor Josh Stein issued a proclamation encouraging people to honor the contributions family caregivers are making.

November is National Family Caregivers Month, a chance to recognize the 63 million Americans who help their older parents, spouses and other loved ones live independently in their homes and communities – where they want to be.  

New AARP research shows that 27 percent of the state's adult population are helping care for loved ones.

AARP North Carolina Director Michael Olender said, "We often overlook the needs of those who help their older parents, spouses and other loved ones live independently in their homes and communities.

They take on everything, from grocery shopping and driving loved ones to doctor appointments to meal prep and managing medications. They also help with more intense responsibilities like bathing and dressing and handling medical tasks, often with little or no training."

A new survey conducted by AARP and the National Alliance of Caregivers also quantifies the stress and financial strain family caregivers endure.

AARP North Carolina is proud to stand with our family caregivers. We offer free tools and resources to help them navigate every step of their caregiving journey, including our North Carolina Family Caregiver Resource Guide, which helps caregivers find key programs, services, and agencies right in their communities.  

To support North Carolina's 615,000 veterans, AARP Veterans Health Benefits Navigator is a free resource designed to assist veterans, military families, and caregivers in navigating their health care options.

Charlotte Sweeney of Raleigh, who was a caregiver for her veteran husband said, "Veteran care partners have unique circumstances and situations that require specialized understanding and training for staff and those they serve. Services offered by the Durham VA Caregiver Support Program are exemplary, including social workers, geriatric support, peer support caregiver programs, aging-in-place expertise, coordination with AARP, the Red Cross, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, and countless local entities."

People can also call 2-1-1, a free referal service operated by United Way that will help people locate available local services.

Olender said, "The Caregiving in the US 2025 survey made it clear that caregivers need more support with respite care, financial assistance, workplace flexibility, and mental health services. Many also say they want better recognition of their role and easier access to local resources and training. AARP is working hard to meet the needs of those taking care of their loved ones."