Published On

November 2, 2026

November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to recognize the people who care for a parent, spouse or other loved one. For families in Hackensack, Emerson, Teaneck, Paramus, Ridgewood and across Bergen County, that care often falls to one person while everyone else cheers from the sidelines. BrightStar Care of Greater Hackensack has supported Bergen County families for more than 15 years, and we meet you wherever you are.

Quick answer: You do not have to carry the care alone. List every task, divide the tasks by strengths and availability, name one point person, and bring in outside support, such as community programs and professional caregivers, before anyone reaches a breaking point. If you want help building a plan for your family, call us at 201.530.8314.

How many families are in this role, and what does it cost them?

Family caregiving is part of life for nearly 1 in 4 American adults, and the toll on caregivers is real. The Caregiving in the U.S. 2025 report from AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving found that 63 million Americans provided ongoing care for an adult or a child with a complex medical condition or disability in the past year. About 1 in 5 caregivers report fair or poor health, and nearly 1 in 4 report feeling socially isolated. Almost 40% say respite services would be helpful.

How do you share the care among family members?

Hold one family meeting, list every task, and match each task to a person. The National Institute on Aging reminds families that you do not have to do everything yourself, and that caregiving can be shared with family members, neighbors and friends. Here is a simple way to start:

List the tasks. Include medications, appointments, meals, rides, bills, home upkeep, and who covers nights and weekends.
Match tasks to people. A sibling who lives far away can handle phone calls and paperwork, while someone nearby covers visits and errands.
Name one point person. This person keeps the notes and talks with the doctors, so information does not get lost.
Share one contact list. Put doctors, medications and emergency contacts where everyone can see them.
Set a weekly check-in. Even 15 minutes by phone keeps everyone on the same page.
Review the plan every month. Needs change, and the plan should change with them.

Include your loved one in these decisions and try to honor their wishes as much as possible.

Who else belongs on the care team?

A care team can include family, your loved one's doctor, community programs and professional caregivers. Many communities offer services that fill the gaps, and a geriatric care manager can help coordinate them. Consider each of these:

Your loved one's primary care doctor, for health and memory concerns

Bergen County Division of Senior Services, for information on local programs

New Jersey Statewide Respite Care Program, for short breaks for family caregivers

Neighbors, friends and your faith community, for rides, visits and meals

A geriatric care manager, to help coordinate care

A professional in-home care agency, for hands-on support

When is it time to add professional in-home care?

Consider it when family cannot cover every day and night, when the main caregiver is exhausted, or when your loved one should not be alone. Common signs include:

Family members cannot cover every day or night.
The main caregiver is exhausted, ill, or has stopped doing things they enjoy.
Your loved one needs help with bathing, dressing or meals.
You worry about leaving your loved one alone, even for a short time.
Caregiving is straining work or relationships. AARP found that 6 in 10 family caregivers are also employed.

How does BrightStar Care of Greater Hackensack support family caregivers?

We become part of your care team, with RN oversight and an individualized care plan built around your family. Our caregivers provide companionship, including rides to appointments and outings, along with help with personal care, meal preparation, medication reminders and light housekeeping. Respite care gives a family caregiver a planned break, and we have no minimum hour requirements, so you can start with the time you need. We are Joint Commission accredited and serve families across Bergen County. To talk about your family's plan, call 201.530.8314.

What local resources can Bergen County caregivers call?

Bergen County and New Jersey offer information and respite programs for family caregivers.

Bergen County Division of Senior Services, Aging and Disability Resource Connection: 201-336-7400

New Jersey Statewide Respite Care Program, through the Aging and Disability Resource Connection: 877-222-3737 (eligibility requirements apply)

Caregivers Coalition of Bergen County, through the Division of Senior Services: 201-336-7400

Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline, for families caring for someone with memory loss: 800.272.3900

Frequently asked questions

What is National Family Caregivers Month?

It is observed every November to recognize the people who care for a family member or friend, and to encourage communities to support them.

How can siblings share caregiving fairly?

List every task, match each one to a person by strengths and availability, name one point person, and check in weekly. Review the plan every month.

What if my parent does not want help?

The National Institute on Aging suggests mentioning a specific worry without sounding critical, offering practical options, and honoring your parent's wishes as much as possible. If you have health or memory concerns, suggest a doctor visit and offer to go along.

How does respite care help a family caregiver?

Respite care gives a family caregiver a planned break. In Bergen County, options include the New Jersey Statewide Respite Care Program, where eligibility requirements apply, and in-home care from BrightStar Care of Greater Hackensack.