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Caregiving A caregiver is defined as anyone who provides care for someone who is frail or living with a disability or illness. Formal caregivers are defined as volunteers or paid care providers within the healthcare system. In contrast, informal caregivers are unpaid individuals, including family members, friends and neighbors, who provide care. The “Caregiving in the U.S.” survey revealed that 29 percent of Americans, or 65.7 million people, serve as informal caregivers for friends or loved ones. These caregivers provide an average of 20 hours of care per week, while maintaining full-time jobs. In Allegheny County, 45,000 older adults provide routine caregiving help for someone. Caregivers are successful when they know how to manage uncertainty, reduce stress, face decisions and find the help that they need. Caregiver Champions is designed to provide caregivers with the tools and resources they need to be successful.
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