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Each November, during National Family Caregiver Month, the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan (AAAWM) gratefully recognizes all of the family members who have stepped up every day to provide care for their loved ones. In 2022 alone, more than 37 million family caregivers provided unpaid support to someone age 65 or older (ncoa.org). Being a family caregiver can be deeply meaningful—offering the reassurance that your loved one is receiving compassionate, trusted care. It can strengthen relationships, create moments of connection, and provide a way to give back. Although rewarding, we also know the mental, emotional, and physical challenges that can be overwhelming without support.

The Caregiver Journey

Becoming a caregiver is often unexpected. A single crisis, fall, or hospitalization can shift a family overnight. Early on, many caregivers describe feeling shocked, confused, and isolated. Caregiving rarely follows a straight line; it’s a winding journey that shifts over time, with new responsibilities emerging as needs change.

Common caregiving tasks include:

• Running errands and coordinating transportation
• Managing medications and meals
• Providing personal care and in-home help
• Navigating complex health and social systems

Family caregivers may be spouses, partners, adults, children, guardians, neighbors, friends, or extended family. No matter your role, AAAWM celebrates your commitment as a caregiver and recognizes the challenges it can bring, which is why we offer various resources to support you at each step.

Resources to Support Family Caregivers

Safety

For those caregivers who need time to rest, recharge, or take care of their own health, we offer services that provide safe, structured care for your loved one:

• Adult Day Centers: care for older adults for extended hours of the day—individuals can take part in activities, exercise, socialize with others, and receive personal care while their caregivers have time away
• Respite: provides companionship or assistance with activities of daily living for older adults when their primary caregiver is unavailable or looking for support

Education & Skill-Building

For caregivers looking to better understand their loved one’s condition or strengthen their caregiving skills, we provide accessible, evidence-based education:  

• Dementia Friends: a free one-hour session that introduces the basics of dementia and simple ways we can make our community a safe, respectful, and engaging place to be for people living with dementia.

• Caregiver University: a virtual education series, taught by community-based experts, designed for both professional and informal caregivers. Sessions focus on practical, real-world caregiving strategies.

Community Connections

For those who are feeling isolated and lonely in their role as a caregiver, partners offer support groups that provide a welcoming space to connect with other caregivers and share experiences and advice with one another.

We also offer a wide range of in-home living services to help older adults remain safe, independent, and comfortable in their own homes for as long as possible.   

Honoring Caregivers This Month—and Every Month

This month, we’re celebrating the millions of caregivers who quietly and compassionately help older adults live at home with dignity. Whether you’ve just started your caregiving journey or have been providing care for years, AAAWM and our partners are here to support you wherever you are on your journey.

To explore caregiver resources, visit www.aaawm.org/caregivers.