With Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik and Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity
Background:
November is National Family Caregivers Month, and it is an important opportunity to recognize and honor the dedicated contributions of family caregivers and encourage support and gratitude for all the care they provide.
More than 980,000 Virginians provide regular care or assistance to a family member or friend with medical or support needs. With the older adult population growing in Fairfax County and Virginia as a whole, caregivers are essential to the health and well-being of our community. Family caregivers selflessly care for older adults and adults with disabilities by providing physical and emotional support, as well as financial and medical assistance.
In addition, family caregivers prevent early institutionalization of loved ones, promote aging in place, and provide compassionate care without being paid. The economic value of family caregiving is estimated at $14.3 billion in Virginia alone. Given the complexity of the roles and responsibilities of family caregiving, caregivers are at increased risk for adverse effects on their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
The Fairfax County Department of Family Services' Adult and Aging Division provides support to family caregivers, including caregiver webinars, virtual caregiver support calls, caregiver consultations, care management, in-home respite and bathing services, text and email alerts, and an Aging, Disability and Caregiver Resource line. With exacerbated needs and challenges for both older adults and caregivers due to an aging population, these resources are increasingly important.
Motion:
Therefore, Mr. Chairman, as Chairman of the Older Adults Committee, I ask without objection that the Board designate November 2024 as Caregivers Awareness Month to honor the service and sacrifice of our many dedicated caregivers and ask the Office of Public Affairs to prepare a proclamation recognizing this month to be presented in the Board room.