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This blog originally appeared on the HHS website. 

If you are caring for an older relative at home, then November is a month to celebrate the work you do! November marks National Family Caregivers Month, a time to reflect on this important work that often goes unrecognized.  According to a 2014 study conducted by the National Caregiving Alliance, there were over 1.1 million family caregivers caring for older relatives or relatives with disabilities in Ohio. These caregivers devoted over 1.2 million hours of time to caring for their family members in the home, with an estimated value of over $12 million. 

While most caregivers take on their roles because they love their relatives and desire the best care for them, the on-going demands can be stressful. Many caregivers report feeling exhaustion, worry about resources, isolation and depression. It is easy to neglect your own health and well-being while managing caregiving responsibilities.

In addition, many family caregivers feel the pinch financially. With the daily cost for nursing home care averaging $225 and the monthly cost for assisted living averaging $3,512, many families feel professional care is something they simply cannot afford. 

But family caregivers don’t necessarily have to go it alone. Home health care can be an option worth considering. There are close to 70,000 home health aides employed in Ohio, and the cost for an hour of in-home care averages around $19.  Home health aides can assist with many daily duties, including homemaking, meal preparation, personal care, minor medical needs, shopping and more. What’s more, they can offer a vital respite for the family caregiver, and a welcome companion for the older relative.

Cuyahoga County Division of Senior and Adult Services (DSAS) provides thousands of hours of in-home care services to thousands of older adults and adults with disabilities in Cuyahoga County. Through our Options for Independent Living Program, clients can select from several “options” of in-home care, offered by trained staff at an affordable rate that is based on the client’s eligibility. 

Our Home Support Services team provides person-centered in-home care that helps clients maintain a safe, healthy environment in their own home, and can often be covered at no cost to the client through a variety of funding sources. 

Our clients have expressed satisfaction with our in-home care programs. Last year, ninety-two percent of Options for Independent Living clients -- and ninety-six percent of Home Support clients -- agreed our services helped them live independently at home.  We are pleased to provide high quality services that meet the needs of our older adults and provide options for family members caring for their loved ones.

This month, DSAS is celebrating our Home Health Aides, who work tirelessly to keep our clients safe, supported and independent in their own homes. Thank you for your much-needed and excellent service!

If you are a caregiver in need of support, contact DSAS at 216-420-6700 to learn more about how we can help you care for your loved one.