By Nicole Long, MSW, LICSW
CEO of Old Colony Elder Services

November is National Caregivers Month, a time to recognize and honor caregivers.
According to the “Caregiving in the U.S. 2025” report by the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, one in four adults provides ongoing care for an older adult, a person with a disability, or someone living with a serious illness. Since 2015, the total number of adults providing ongoing care has grown by 20 million, reaching an astounding 63 million people.
Do you know a family caregiver? They can be spouses, partners, family members, and loved ones. Adult children may find themselves caring for aging parents, grandparents, or other relatives, while many grandparents take on the role of raising their grandchildren. There are many different caregiving settings. Each caregiver’s situation is unique and complex. Caregivers are often juggling work, family, and other responsibilities along with caregiving.
Caregiving can take a financial toll on caregivers. Did you know that one out of every five employees in the U.S. is a caregiver to a family member or loved one? Currently, more family caregivers who work have access to paid leave than in the past. However, the “Caregiving in the U.S. 2025” report reveals that 47% of family caregivers face negative financial impacts as a result of their caregiving responsibilities.
Caregiving can also take an emotional and physical toll. Caregivers may feel isolated and experience high levels of stress. Caregiving can be a physically demanding role, especially when it involves helping with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, and transferring.
Self-care is key
It is essential that caregivers take care of themselves. It’s not uncommon for caregivers to become overwhelmed and experience caregiver “burnout,” which can negatively affect their physical and mental health. Self-care must be a priority.
Eat nutritious meals and snacks. Oftentimes caregivers are so focused on caregiving or pressed for time that they may skip meals or choose less healthy options while on the go.
Keep up with medical and dental appointments. Caregiver health is important. Caregivers should have regular check-ups, pay attention to any symptoms they may have, and heed their health care provider’s advice.
Find a way to manage stress. Caregiving can be overwhelming. A daily walk, deep breathing exercises or meditation may be helpful. Caregiver support groups may also be helpful.
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) has a Family Caregiver Support Program that empowers caregivers by providing resources to help with caregiving. Caregivers who would like to learn more about this program are encouraged to visit ocesma.org or call 508-584-1561.
OCES’ Adult Family Care program provides in-home services and care management to support older adults and individuals with disabilities. Its goal is to help people remain independent and live in the setting of their choice (their own home, a family member’s or friend’s home, elder housing, or a private apartment) while reducing unnecessary hospitalizations or delaying placement in long-term care facilities. Through this program, family caregivers may also qualify for a stipend for the care they provide.
Honoring caregivers
Caregivers make a tremendous, positive impact in the lives of so many others. During National Caregiver Month, OCES is honoring local caregivers and their selfless dedication to caregiving by highlighting caregivers nominated for recognition by family members, friends, associates, and individuals.
Join us in celebrating these local caregivers! Read their stories in this month’s special Caregiver Edition of the OCES newsletter available online at ocesma.org/news and on social media at facebook.com/OCESMA.

Sources:
National Alliance for Caregiving. (n.d.). Caregiving in the US. https://www.caregiving.org/research/caregiving-in-the-us/
National Alliance for Caregiving. (n.d.). Caregiving in the US 2025 Toolkit. https://www.caregiving.org/caregiving-in-the-us-2025-toolkit/

About the Author: Nicole Long is the Chief Executive Officer of Old Colony Elder Services (OCES). Founded in 1974, OCES is a private, non-profit organization proudly serving greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is designated as one of 25 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’s mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.