CARING FOR CAREGIVERS

Every day, in every community around the world, people provide care for those who need it most, often altering their daily routines or putting their own lives on hold to ensure that an ill or disabled loved one has the support they need. Known as caregivers, these individuals often get little recognition or support for the work they do, but they play an essential role in securing healthcare.

While there are emotional rewards in caring for a loved one, many caregivers soon find that they themselves need support. The logistics of pursuing an education or profession while being a caregiver can lead to problems such as absenteeism and workday interruptions. These and other care-related stress factors can have an impact on a caregiver’s health and well-being, affect important relationships in their lives and even result in financial pressures.

To help support the often-overlooked needs of caregivers, these resources are available:

Embracing Carers® is a global initiative from EMD Serono (the healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany) and nine global caregiver advocacy organizations to increase awareness and support for the often-overlooked needs of unpaid caregivers. Moreover, the initiative advocates for the unmet physical, emotional and financial needs of caregivers on a global and local level.  Embracing Carers® also supports organizations that address the unique needs of cancer caregivers.  Learn more here.

EMD Serono, Inc. does not own the websites listed below and does not control, endorse, or guarantee the content of third-party websites. The list of organizations below is not comprehensive.

Caregiver Action Network (CAN, or the National Family Caregivers Association) is a non-profit organization providing education, peer support, and resources to family caregivers across the US free of charge. CAN offers a free 24/7 help desk – in addition to email and chat functionality – staffed by trained professionals who can answer questions, connect you to resources, or offer support during difficult times. Additionally, CAN facilitates anonymous connections with other family caregivers in the Care Community to receive encouragement and advice as well as runs an online forum where caregivers can engage with other members of the community. Access CAN at Caregiver Action Network.

National Alliance for Caregiving is a non-profit coalition of national organizations focusing on advancing family caregiving through research, innovation, and advocacy in the US. The Alliance conducts research, does policy analysis, develops national best-practice programs, and works to increase public awareness of family caregiving issues. In addition to information on the latest advocacy efforts around US caregivers, NAC connects caregivers with guidebooks and support programs created by them and their partners to assist with the caregiving experience.