To: Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Human Services
Staff Name and Phone Number: Angela Struckmann 707-565-5800, Eric Glentzer 707-565-5952
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Recommended Action:
Title
Adopt a Gold Resolution Proclaiming November 2025 as Family Caregivers Month in Sonoma County.
End
Executive Summary:
The Gold Resolution for Family Caregivers Month recognizes the issues surrounding family caregiving and honors and supports the immense contributions of family caregivers, particularly those supporting older adults and adults with disabilities.
Discussion:
Every November, National Family Caregivers Month is observed to recognize the value and contributions that family caregivers bring to the lives of the people they support, and to acknowledge the challenges surrounding family caregiving. First observed in 1994, National Family Caregivers Month is recognized by the Administration for Community Living, the National Council on Aging, Caregiver Action Network, the National Alliance for Caregiving, and Share the Care.
Family caregivers step up to do this work because they care deeply about the people they take care of. Caregiving is very challenging work that often requires around the clock dedication, organization, responsibility, and hands-on care. Caregiving can include assisting people with personal care like bathing and dressing, house cleaning and shopping, and providing comfort and companionship to reduce isolation and support older adults and adults with disabilities to remain independent in the community and to live safe and fulfilling lives.
Families are often the primary source of caregiving support for older adults and people with disabilities. Today in America, more than 53 million family caregivers provide unpaid care to their loved ones, which is an economic value totaling more than $470 billion.
Too many individuals struggle to access the affordable, high-quality care they need. Long-term care costs have gone up 40% in the past decade, which results in many Americans - particularly women - staying out of the workforce to care for family members. At least 53-million Americans serve as family caregivers, which translates to 1 in 5 Americans providing unpaid family care. Over 5,000 family caregivers currently provide In-Home Supportive Services in Sonoma County to enable their loved ones to remain living safely in the community. Family caregivers, both paid and unpaid, often struggle to make ends meet and can face challenges including lack of support, lack of training, and few opportunities for respite.
The Sonoma County Area Agency on Aging (AAA) Area Plan needs assessment was conducted in the spring of 2023 and found that caregiving is a priority concern in our community. 56% of survey respondents expressed concern about having enough money to stay in their homes and 44% were concerned about their ability to pay a reliable person to help them.
The Older Americans Act Amendment of 2020 established the National Family Caregiver Support Program, which calls for all states to work in partnership with AAAs and local community-based agencies to provide services for caregivers. Our local AAA provides Older Americans Act funding to the North Coast Opportunities Redwood Caregiver Resource Center and the Alzheimer’s Association to provide services that assist family caregivers. Residents can also be connected to services by contacting the Human Services Aging and Disability Resource Hub Information and Assistance line at (707) 565-INFO (4636).
Services provided by Human Services and community partners include:
- Resource information and assistance accessing services for caregivers
- Caregiver support groups and training
- Respite care
On September 10, 2024, the Board adopted our local Master Plan for Aging that provides a blueprint for supporting our community as we age. One of the six key goal areas in the plan is caregiving, which will be lifted up by improving the resources, supports, and training for caregivers in Sonoma County.
Observing Family Caregivers Month in November provides the opportunity for Sonoma County to publicly acknowledge the amazing and crucial work that family caregivers provide.
Prior Board Actions:
11/05/2024: Adopted a resolution proclaiming November 2024 as Family Caregivers Month
11/07/2023: Adopted a resolution proclaiming November 2023 as Family Caregivers Month
11/10/2009: Adopted a resolution proclaiming November 2009 as Family Caregivers Month
11/04/2008: Adopted a resolution proclaiming November 2008 as Family Caregivers Month
Fiscal Summary
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
There are no fiscal impacts.
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
There are no staffing impacts.
Attachments:
Resolution
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None