Among the many other designations for November is National Family Caregivers Month — a time to recognize the role played by those who sometimes jeopardize their own long-term financial, physical and mental wellbeing to instead care for a loved one in need.

According to data from AARP West Virginia, approximately 26% of Mountain State adults fall into the category of being a family caregiver. These people are often unpaid — and on their own — taking care of older parents, spouses and others for whom no one else has stepped up.

In fact, AARP estimates there is approximately $3 billion worth of unpaid care provided each year in West Virginia, as (often untrained) family members take on responsibilities such as bathing, feeding, managing medication, arranging transportation and appointments,

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