Every day, there are more than 420,000 unpaid family caregivers in Connecticut who help their loved ones live independently at home – where they want to be – instead of being forced into costly, taxpayer-funded nursing homes. They handle tasks, both big and small, for their older parents, spouses, and other loved ones. Caregivers face numerous day-to-day challenges, including buying groceries, managing medications, organizing financial matters, and more.

Connecticut’s family caregivers across the state make tremendous financial, physical, and emotional sacrifices to help their older parents, spouses, and other loved ones.

Being a family caregiver is a significant responsibility, and navigating the caregiving journey can be challenging. AARP hears from many caregivers who want – and need – information on how to keep their loved ones safe at home, manage finances, control stress, navigate forms, paperwork, and eligibility for services, use technology for care support, make critical care decisions, and more.

In honor of November’s National Family Caregivers Month, AARP Connecticut is providing free caregiving resource kits. These kits are designed to be displayed at local libraries, senior centers, and other community centers, providing Connecticut’s 420,000 family caregivers with much-needed resources.

Do you or someone you know provide unpaid care to a friend or family member? The extensive information and resources provided in the kits support caregivers in this important work. Each kit will include the following AARP resources for family caregivers to be displayed during November:

• Connecticut Family Caregiver Resource Guide
• Care for the Caregiver Guide
• Prepare to Care Guide
• Financial Workbook for Family Caregivers
• Veterans and Military Families Caregiver Guide
• 211 Caregiver Resources Poster

AARP Connecticut also welcomes everyone to supplement these materials with any additional books or resources they may have to support family caregivers.

In addition to helping with bathing, dressing, transportation, and many other tasks, Connecticut’s 420,000 unpaid family caregivers face financial challenges, spending an average of $7,200 annually out of their own pockets on caregiving expenses. The unpaid care provided by the 420,000 caregivers in Connecticut is valued at $7.2 billion annually, according to state data available in AARP’s Valuing the Invaluable report.

Connecticut needs family caregivers. Connecticut family caregivers need support. Whether it’s dropping off a meal or calling to say “hello,” November’s National Family Caregiver Month is an excellent time to show appreciation to a caregiver in your life.

To request a free kit, email AARP Connecticut Associate State Director of Advocacy & Outreach Natalie Shurtleff at NShurtleff@aarp.org