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Recognizing and honoring family caregivers

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Celebrating National Caregivers Day in Northern Ohio – February 17, 2023

By Doug Bardwell, Red Cross volunteer

National Caregivers Day originated from the efforts of the Caregiver Action Network
(CAN), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for family
caregivers. In 2015, CAN established the holiday to honor the millions of family
caregivers who provide care to their loved ones.

February 2012. Baltimore, Maryland. Used for the development of the 2012 American Red Cross Babysitting Training program, which provides participants with the tools needed to provide the best care to infants and children aged 10 and younger. Geared for sitters, nannies, au pairs and caregivers 16 and older, the course is composed of both online and in-person learning. Photo credit: American Red Cross © Stock photo taken for the American Red Cross.

There are many individuals in northern Ohio who serve as family caregivers, providing
compassionate care for their loved ones day in and day out. This includes spouses
caring for their partners with Alzheimer’s disease, adult children caring for parents with
chronic illnesses, and siblings caring for siblings with disabilities.

What can you do?

Some other things each of us can do to recognize these caregivers are:

  1. Offer to help with household tasks or errands, such as grocery shopping or cooking a meal.
  2. Provide emotional support and a listening ear to caregivers who may be feeling
    overwhelmed or stressed.
  3. Give caregivers a break by offering to stay with their loved one for a few hours so
    they can have some time for themselves.
  4. Offer to drive caregivers and their loved ones to medical appointments or other
    important engagements.
September 28, 2022. Clermont, Florida Red Cross volunteer Cynthia Myatt checks up on the Wilberts who are staying in the evacuation shelter at the Lost Lake Elementary School in Clermont, Fl. The shelter, staffed by Red Cross volunteers and County Health Services nurses, is caring for local residents who were forced from their homes by Hurricane Ian. “My wife is on oxygen,” related Tom Wilbert, “and I didn’t want her be at home if the electricity went out. I’m her caregiver.” Wilbert remembers the power interruptions and devastation from Hurricane Irma, and wanted to be prepared. He said that he and his wife also took shelter In this same building for a storm in 2019. The Wilberts brought along their two dogs but couldn’t corral the cat to take along with them. “I like this shelter,” he said, “because its pet friendly and they have nurses here to help me care for my wife.” Photo by Marko Kokic/American Red Cross

Let the American Red Cross help

While the Red Cross is not directly affiliated with National Caregivers Day, the
organization does provide support and resources for caregivers. The Red Cross offers a
variety of courses and training programs, including caregiving courses, to help
individuals develop the skills they need to care for their loved ones.

In addition, the Red Cross provides assistance to caregivers in times of emergencies
and disasters, such as providing relief supplies or connecting caregivers with local
resources and support services.

National Caregivers Day serves as an important reminder to recognize and support the
vital role that caregivers play in our communities. By showing our appreciation and
offering support, we can make a difference in the lives of those who dedicate their time
and energy to caring for their loved ones.

Need help getting started?

Check out the following Red Cross options:

Take a class – online, in a classroom, or a combination of both
Learn more about the Military and Veteran Caregiver Network
Shop for caregiver training manuals and DVD’s

For other local care resources, check with

Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging
Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging

Edited by Glenda Bogar, American Red Cross volunteer

Posted by Ryan Lang, American Red Cross board member and volunteer