Recommendation 20260909-012: National Family Caregivers Month - November — original pdf

Recommendation

BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Aging Recommendation Number: 20260909-012: National Family Caregivers Month – November WHEREAS, family caregivers provide essential unpaid support to older adults, people with disabilities, children, and individuals living with chronic illness, helping people remain connected to their homes, families, and communities; and WHEREAS, caregiving may include assistance with meals, transportation, medications, personal care, household activities, healthcare coordination, financial responsibilities, and emotional support; and WHEREAS, the 2025 Austin Older Adult Quality of Life Study reports that “approximately 19% reported being a paid or unpaid caregiver for an adult aged 50 or older”1 and that “the remaining 88% of caregivers were 50 years or older”2; and WHEREAS, the 2025 Austin Older Adult Quality of Life Study recommends that the City “explore systemic supports for caregivers to balance caregiving responsibilities with paid employment”3 and “explore effective methods of outreach surrounding availability of and enrollment in respite care programming and other caregiver supports”4; and WHEREAS, the Austin Families with Young Children study found that “79% of caregivers reported some level of difficulty paying for childcare,”5 demonstrating that caregiving challenges extend across the lifespan. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Aging encourages the Austin City Council to proclaim November 2026 as "National Family Caregivers Month" in Austin and to recognize family caregivers for their essential contributions while encouraging greater awareness of respite, education, workplace supports, and community resources available to caregivers. 1 Austin Older Adult Quality of Life Study 2025, Findings: Caregivers, p. 86. 2 Ibid. 3 Austin Older Adults Quality of Life: Caregivers At-A-Glance, p. 1. 4 Ibid. 5 Bright Beginnings: Experiences of Families with Young Children in Austin, TX, Summary Report of Findings (2025), Childcare findings, p. 30. Date of Approval: September 9, 2026 Motioned By: Commissioner Lane Seconded By: Commissioner Zeng Vote: 10-0 For: Chair Bondi, Commissioners Anderson, Kareithi, Lane, Lugo, Ozarowski, Scott, Tyree, Yee, Zeng Against: None Abstain: None Off the dais: None Absent: Vice Chair Ferguson, Commissioners Tran and Van de Putte Attest: _____________________________________________ (Ryan Sperling, Staff Liaison)