I want to thank all those that signed and shared this petition. We are gaining momentum. We have collected 2,151! Going for a goal of 100,000 in 30 days. I want to address a huge problem many caregivers have. They do not see themselves as caregivers. 

If you're reading this, chances are you already see yourself as a caregiver. That's great! It's the first step towards becoming a self-aware caregiver advocate. However, many individuals still don't identify themselves as caregivers, even if they perform all the responsibilities of one. In fact, a study by AARP found that 15% of respondents didn't consider themselves caregivers, despite providing unpaid help to a relative or friend with a disability or chronic disease.

Did you know that one in four caregivers is a millennial, and one in five is Gen Z? The younger you are, the more likely you are to feel lonely in your caregiving role without even realizing it. But you're not alone. Share your experience with others and help break the stigma.

So, let's ask ourselves: Have you provided unpaid assistance to a loved one in the past year? This includes helping with health or personal needs, household chores, managing finances, coordinating outside services, or offering regular support. Whether the person you're helping lives with you or elsewhere, if you answer yes to any of these questions, you are indeed a caregiver.

Caregiving knows no racial, economic, religious, or professional boundaries. It is a role that cuts across all walks of life. As family caregiving becomes increasingly important yet challenging, it's crucial for you to know your rights as a caregiver.

Many of us may not identify as caregivers for various reasons. Self-identified caregivers often face discrimination at work, isolation from friends, and discomfort with stereotypes. However, the majority of caregivers don't recognize themselves as such because they are unaware of the evolving nature of the role, misunderstand the definition of caregiving, or fail to realize the benefits of embracing this identity. It is common for caregivers to begin their journey thinking that they're simply fulfilling their duty as a good family member, only to find themselves consumed by a full-time job without pay. By not understanding and accepting the caregiver label, individuals miss out on the supportive community ready to lend a hand.

Reports indicate that caregivers are more proactive in researching and caring for their loved ones once they embrace their caregiver identity. Unfortunately, self-care only sees slight improvement among self-identified caregivers. However, their confidence and sense of empowerment grow significantly. Accepting the caregiver identity also makes it easier to acknowledge feelings of isolation, depression, and stress.

Almost all caregiver advocates today have firsthand experience as caregivers themselves. Self-identification as a caregiver is the most influential factor in determining the extent to which an individual takes self-help or self-advocacy actions. We are our best advocates because we truly understand the challenges. But we can only become voices for caregivers once we join the community of self-identified caregivers. This community shows us that there are others who, like us, understand the frustration, resentment, and loneliness that caregiving can bring. They also experience the love, compassion, and tenderness that caregivers bring to the world.

Self-awareness is the foundation of advocacy.  When you identify as a caregiver seeking resources, you send a powerful message to healthcare companies, medical professionals, and government institutions. You show them that you are not alone, and that the caregiving community demands recognition and support. By standing up for your loved one, yourself, and caregivers worldwide, you become a self-aware caregiver advocating for change.

The lives of our family caregivers, direct care workers and the care recipients depend on us advocating for much need change to how the family caregiver is viewed. Family caregivers and direct care workers are the largest pillar of the long term care industry. Most feel invisible and ignored by those around them.  Help us help those that are supporting others see themselves as caregivers. Self awareness is the key to advocacy. 

We want to encourage you to tell your story to as many people as you can. Most caregivers believe they're alone, but sharing your experience allows someone else to see themselves reflected in it. And feeling less alone can significantly reduce caregiver stress. Share your stories of your caregiving journey here

Together, we can support and uplift each other in this journey. Let's make caregiving a little bit easier. We are on a journey to advocate for financial compensation, respite care and health care. 

 Your signature can make a difference. Share the petition with your friends, family and community to also raise awareness and support for this crucial cause. Together, we can make our voices heard and bring about change for the better. Thank you again for your support! #AdvocateForCaregiverRelief #JointheCause #MakeADifferenceToday