Caregiving

What is caregiving?

As the American population ages and technologies improve, a growing number of adults require assistance in performing daily life activities. Family caregivers help other adults, family members, and friends most often without remuneration.

Why is caregiving an issue for women?

Almost 50 million U.S. adults care for another adult over the age of 18 without pay.

• Women provide 66% of caregiving.
• Women caregivers typically spend 4 hours more each week providing care than male caregivers.
• Services and time caregivers spend with recipients increase levels of emotional stress, physical health, unmet needs, and other factors.

Source: http://www.caregiving.org/data/CaregivingUSAllAgesExecSum.pdf

What is the OWH doing about caregiving?

The OWH continues to partner with the Family Resource Network’s Family Support Center of New Jersey, the Department of Health and Senior Services, the Office of Nutrition and Fitness, Division of Aging & Community Services and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association to provide an annual Caregiver Recognition Day.

The Caregiver Recognition Day will be holding its 7th Annual Women’s Caregiver Retreat on May 12, 2011 at the Robert Wood Johnson Wellness Center, located in Mercerville, NJ.  This all-day event continues its tradition of focusing on caregiving as both a public health issue and as a women’s issue. It offers women educational information, speakers, fitness demonstrations, stress reduction sessions, makeovers, and other exhibits.