National Caregivers Day is a holiday that recognizes and honors all the hard work and dedication caregivers offer all year round. It’s a day held on the third Friday of each February and helps to honor the millions of caregivers who work worldwide. There are so many caregivers working; there’s a good chance that everyone reading this knows at least one.

The History of National Caregivers Day

This holiday was created in 2015 by the Providers Association for Home Health & Hospice Agencies—otherwise known as PAHHHA. They established the holiday to provide recognition to caregivers, and the first official day it was celebrated was in February of 2016.

Facts About Caregivers

Below are some facts that we’ve uncovered while researching National Caregivers Day. These facts will show all of our readers the invaluable contributions that caregivers provide to society.

Caregivers Have Tough Jobs

One of the most interesting facts is the toll that caregiving can take on individuals. It’s been estimated that the interpersonal family relations of approximately 25% of caregivers suffer due to their work responsibilities.

Women Are More Likely To Be Caregivers

Although both men and women can be caregivers, the vast majority of caregivers working today are women. It’s been estimated that out of the millions of caregivers in the U.S., 65% are women, while only 35% are men.

Many Caregivers Don’t Receive A Paycheck

Unfortunately, not everyone who works as a caregiver actually gets paid for their contributions. It’s been estimated that over 30 million people provide unpaid care to someone over the age of 18 who is suffering from a serious illness or is disabled.

Some Caregivers Have Quit Their Job For Ill Family Members

It’s also been estimated that over 15 million caregivers have quit their job to provide care for a loved one who is seriously ill or disabled.

Caregivers Spend Over $5000 Of Their Own Money

And finally, it’s been estimated that up to 42% of caregivers have to spend $5,000 or more of their own money on the care of a sick or infirm loved one.

Celebrating National Caregivers Day

First and foremost, people can celebrate National Caregivers Day by taking time out of their day to thank a caregiver they know or the one taking care of them if they’re sick or infirm. It’s also a good day for people to find out how they can become a caregiver by attending a seminar or conference. That way, they too can make an impact on someone else’s life. And anyone taking the time to celebrate this day should use the hashtag #NationalCaregiversDay on their social media accounts to spread the word about this worthy holiday.