In 1983, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed November as National Alzheimer's Disease Month to recognize the progress being made against Alzheimer's disease and to show understanding and support for the individuals with the disease, as well as their families and friends. Since that time, the Alzheimer's Association has used the event to raise awareness of Alzheimer's disease, the experiences of people with the disease and their families, and the importance of finding treatments, preventions, and a cure.

During this special month, many of the Association's local chapters sponsor events for families, caregivers and the public. To find out about events in your area, contact your local chapter.

National Family Caregivers Month

Over the next decade approximately 47 million baby boomers in North America are or will be facing the role of caregiver to a parent, relative or elderly friend - an odyssey that will change many of your lives. At the same time countless thousands of seniors face the dilemma of caring for a chronically ill spouse.

A new survey from the National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA) shows that the number of persons who provided care for an elderly, disabled or chronically ill, friend or relative during the past year is more than twice as large as had been previously thought. Survey results indicate 26.6 percent of the adult population was involved in caregiving during the past 12 months. Based on current census data, that translates to more than 54 million people.

Earlier surveys estimated only an approximated 25 million caregivers in the United States. Based on a random sample of 1,000 adults, the data reveal the sheer number of family caregivers, and by inference, the significant need for caregiving in America. The NFCA survey, conducted this summer, was sponsored by CareThere.com, a new Web site dedicated to supporting family caregivers.

In addition to identifying the number of persons who were involved in caregiving during the past year, the NFCA survey revealed a number of other surprising facts:

• Male/Female Ratio - The male/female ratio involved in caregiving has changed dramatically. Caregiving used to be considered a women's issue based on data that showed 75 percent of "family" care was provided by women. The new survey shows a much more even split: 56 percent female, 44 percent male.
• Type of Care - 52 percent of survey respondents (39 percent of whom were men) provided physical care. They rolled up their sleeves to help loved ones in need of personal assistance, including helping with dressing, bathing, toileting, eating and mobility.
• 46 percent of respondents (41 percent of them men) were involved in performing some type of nursing activity such as managing medications, changing dressings, or monitoring vital signs.

In an effort to assist those who are caregivers we present lots of links to websites whose specialty is caregiving. Although the following page deals primarily with Alzheimer's Disease, you will find additional links to those with other illnesses that require caregiving.

A friend of the couple who founded Home Instead Senior Care, Mary Maxwell was asked to give the invocation at the company's 2009 Convention. Initially it seemed like a normal prayer, but it soon took a very funny turn.