National Family Caregivers
National Family Caregivers Month: Supporting Aging Parents
- November 11, 2026
- By Windermere Medical Group
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Quick answer
A geriatric doctor looks at the whole picture of an older adult’s health: medications, memory, mobility, mood, and safety. If a parent is missing medications, falling, losing weight, or withdrawing, it’s time for a geriatric evaluation. Caregivers need support too.
- Nearly 1 in 4 caregivers provide 40 or more hours of care a week.
- About 44% provide high-intensity care.
- For the first time, the report measured caregivers’ own health. About 1 in 5 report fair or poor health they attribute to caregiving.
- According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), about 11 million get some form of compensation.
The 2025 Caregiving in the U.S. report from AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving estimates that 63 million Americans, nearly 1 in 4 adults, are family caregivers. That’s a 45% increase since 2015. The same report adds that:
Signs a parent may need geriatric care
Look for changes that go beyond ordinary aging:
- Missed or doubled medications
- Unexplained weight loss
- Falls, near-falls, or new unsteadiness
- Confusion, repeated questions, or getting lost on familiar routes
- Unopened mail, unpaid bills, or a neglected home
- Withdrawal from friends or activities, or low mood
- Close calls while driving
Our guides can help you tell memory loss from normal aging and take on fall prevention.
What geriatric care includes
Geriatric care coordinates the many parts of an older adult’s health. A visit may include:
- A full medication review, including supplements and over-the-counter drugs
- Screening for memory, mood, hearing, vision, and balance
- Fall-risk checks and home-safety advice
- Coordination among specialists
- Conversations about future planning
Learn more about geriatric care in North Georgia.
Supporting yourself as a caregiver
- Ask for help early. Share tasks with siblings or friends before you're exhausted.
- Use local resources. The federal Eldercare Locator connects families to local services for older adults.
- Keep your own appointments. The AARP data shows caregiver health suffers when it comes second.
- Watch for burnout. Constant fatigue, irritability, and withdrawal are signs to talk to your own provider.
- Take breaks. Respite care isn't a luxury.
Finding a geriatric doctor in North Georgia
A good geriatric doctor knows your parent’s history and listens to the family. Read our guide on how to find geriatric primary care in North Atlanta, or book a geriatric care visit at any North Georgia location.
Try this week: Write down your parent’s medications and doctors on one page. It’s the most useful thing to bring to any visit.
This letter is for education and isn’t a substitute for personal medical advice. Please talk with a licensed provider about the plan that’s right for you.
