Recognizing National Family Caregivers Month
Each November, we pause to honor the dedication, compassion, and resilience of those who care for others — the family members, friends, and neighbors who show up every day to support someone living with a mental health condition, chronic illness, or disability. National Family Caregivers Month is a time to celebrate their essential role and to acknowledge the emotional, physical, and financial toll caregiving can take. At Mental Health America of Greenville County (MHAGC), our mission to Support, Strengthen, and Save lives includes standing beside caregivers offering resources, understanding, and hope to those who give so much of themselves to others.
According to the AARP, an estimated 53 million adults in the United States are caring for an adult or child with special needs. One in five Americans (21.3%) has provided care to a loved one in the past year. Caregiving reaches across every generation, gender, and background. Of those caregivers, 61% are in the workforce, juggling jobs and caregiving duties, while 61% of caregivers for adults over 50 are women. Nearly a quarter (24%) are caring for more than one person, and the average age of a care recipient is 74.8 years. Caregivers dedicate an average of 22.3 hours per week to providing support — nearly the equivalent of a part-time job and 22% report that it is difficult to maintain their own health while doing so (AARP, “Caregiving in the U.S. 2020”).
At MHAGC, we understand the challenges caregivers face; the long days, emotional weight, and the worry that comes with caring for a loved one. Our services offer both practical and emotional support. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 for anyone experiencing distress, including caregivers who may feel overwhelmed. The Reassurance Line provides daily check-ins for individuals living alone or managing chronic conditions, helping ease the minds of family members.
In South Carolina, caregivers can find additional resources and programs designed to make the journey a little easier.
- GetCareSC.com connects seniors, caregivers, and adults with disabilities to services and support across the state.
- The South Carolina Department on Aging offers a Family Caregiver Support Program that provides information, counseling, respite care, and supplemental services.
- Prisma Health’s REACH Program supports caregivers of individuals living with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and memory loss, offering training and personalized guidance.
- NAMI Greenville offers local support groups and education for family members caring for someone with a mental health condition.
Caregiving is both an act of love and a journey that requires support. This month, we encourage all caregivers to remember that their own mental health matters, too. Taking time to rest, reach out, and connect with others isn’t selfish — it’s a vital part of sustaining the strength it takes to care for someone else.
