As the nation's shifting demographics begin to fulfill the promise of an aging society, caregiving-related issues impact a growing number of Americans of all ages with each passing day. Each day, as many as five million older individuals in the U.S. are recipients of care from more than 22 million informal caregivers made up of family and friends. Grandparents and other older relatives are more than ever before finding themselves in the role of primary caregiver to a child.
Older individuals are often caregivers themselves.
The following story has been submitted through Mary Anderson, Executive Director, Alzheimer's Association , S.C., Madison, Wisconsin and the next story sent by Triniteam Caregivers in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. They focus on activities provided by caretakers in living with and caring for loved ones. We salute those caregivers who regularly provide help with 2 or more basic activities of daily living to our 30,000 Wisconsin community residents. Here are two stories of caregivers, some in their own words.