CONTACT
Lee Rettig, Communications and Legislative Services, (402) 471-8287
Lee.rettig@nebraska.gov
Lincoln – Family Caregiver Awareness Month is a time to thank, support, educate and celebrate the more than 40 million family caregivers across the country.
“Family caregivers look after a spouse, a child with special needs, a family member, a friend or neighbor by assisting them with the activities of daily living or medical tasks without pay," said Sharon Johnson, Lifespan Respite Program Coordinator for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
Caregiving is critically important in Nebraska. The state has more than 195,000 family caregivers who provided an average of more than 182 hours of care each year, which translates into an economic value of $2.5 billion each year for the state according to an 2015 update from the AARP Public Policy Institute.
However, the process of balancing work and family can be stressful. As many as 10% to 31% of working caregivers leave their jobs as a result of caregiving responsibilities—some elect to retire early; others quit working altogether. Most working caregivers, however, make workplace accommodations and try their best to create a balance between work and caregiving responsibilities, according to data from the University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension, “Employed Family Caregiver Survey."
The Nebraska Caregiver Coalition, which includes DHHS and other community partners statewide will be hosting an event recognizing Family Caregiver Awareness Month. This event will also be broadcast live on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AARPNE/
2019 Caregiving Proclamation Presentations and Luncheon
Tuesday, Nov. 19
Proclamation Presentations
10:00 a.m.
State Capitol Rotunda, Lincoln
2019 Caregiver Appreciation Luncheon
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Nebraska Governor's Mansion, Lincoln
Guest Speaker: Lyn Holley, PhD, UNO, Omaha
Topic: The Caregiver Job: Opportunities (Risks) and Rewards
Caregivers and other interested parties can register for the event by November 12 via phone at (402) 323-5429 or email at neaarp@aarp.org
Learn more about Nebraska family caregivers at respite.ne.gov.