CHICAGO, October 5, 2007 – National Family Caregivers Month, celebrated every November, is a nationally recognized time set aside every year to thank, support, educate and celebrate more than 50 million family caregivers across the country currently providing an estimated $306 billion in "free" caregiving services. Celebrating NFC Month in your community can bring attention to your programs and raise awareness about Partnership for Patient Safety (p4ps).

In celebration of National Family Caregivers Month 2007, family caregivers are encouraged to take action to improve their own health and well being by speaking up for their rights.  Help support family caregivers to take steps every day to make their lives easier, improve the care they give their loved one and convince others to speak up about the assistance family caregivers need and deserve. 

p4ps is pleased to be an endorsing organization of NFC Month and a part of this campaign to bring attention to the needs of family caregivers. The National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA) leads the NFC Month effort and creates a special Family Caregiver Kit with educational and promotional materials to help you celebrate. Here’s what you can do to get involved:

• Remind family caregivers to believe in themselves, protect their health, reach out for help, and speak up for their rights.

• Encourage family caregivers to identify themselves as a family caregiver in conversations with others, including friends and family as well as healthcare professionals.

• Plan your own local NFC Month Celebration. Contact the National Family Caregivers Association at www.thefamilycaregiver.org or call 800/896-3650 to learn more about how you can obtain family caregiver kits and ideas for celebrating National Family Caregivers Month.

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