Since 1997, the President has declared November to be National Family Caregivers Month, a time to honor and acknowledge the work done by tens of millions of Americans each and every day. As part of the month's activities, Altarum asked its employees to reflect on their experiences. Several agreed to participate, and have written moving and insightful posts which we will promote here throughout the month of November. Read the stories below.

View the 30-minute Detroit Public Television program: Caregivers Confronting the Care System. The program aired on Detroit Public TV on Thursday, November 22, 2012. 

Altarum recently hosted a Twitter chat for National Family Caregivers Month. Read the transcript.

Caregiving Experiences

Fifteen Years: A Japanese Caregiver’s Story
Yukari Hattori, M.D., Visiting Fellow, Center for Aging, Humanity and Health at The George Washington University

Sometimes, It’s the Survivors Who Have to “Just Let Go”
Barbara Bryant, Altarum Institute Publications Manager

When Both Parents Need Help: A Caregiver Steps In and Steps Up
Pam Grimm, Altarum Institute Director of Corporate Facilities/Facility Security Officer

Conversation before the Crisis: The Holidays Offer Opportunities to Talk About Values and Preferences for Health Care Treatment
Judith Peres, Altarum Institute Senior Policy Analyst, Center for Elder Care and Advanced Illness

Advance Care Planning: Basics for Learning More
Judith Peres, Altarum Institute Senior Policy Analyst, Center for Elder Care and Advanced Illness

Story of a Long-Distance Caregiver
Diana Williams, Altarum Institute Behavioral Health Coordinating Center Director

Story of a Direct Care Worker
Meghan Hendricksen, Altarum Institute Intern

Sandwiched Between an Aging Parent and Children
Janice Lynch Schuster, Altarum Institute Senior Writer