Family caregivers are the backbone of the American health care system.

Twenty-five percent of all households are involved as family caregivers; that’s 1 in 4 families.

But Caregiving is a rigorous responsibility. Burn out and becoming overwhelmed are primary risks. Key individual skills and community resources can help caregivers keep their health, maintain their balance and sustain their work.

“Family Caregiving 2012” is an informal discussion about family caregiving and the resources, tools and skills that can help caregivers over the long term. The discussion will explore ways families construct caregiving responsibilities, how to handle the caregiver duties, the challenges most caregivers face and the resources available in Pierce County.

“Family caregivers do amazing work,” said Aaron Van Valkenburg, manager of Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources. “People suffer chronic illnesses, have various disabilities and deal with long term conditions. Parents, spouses, children and other relatives step in to form an incredible web of support for their loved ones. It is essential that those caregivers remain healthy and stable so they can continue their work.”

“Family Caregiving 2012” is an information-only event. It is free and open to the public and will be presented by staff of Pierce County Community Connections and the partners of the Aging and Disability Resource Center. The workshop will be repeated five times including from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Jan. 14 at the Sumner Library, 1116 Fryar Ave., Sumner.

For more information or for additional locations and sites, call the Pierce County Aging & Disability Resource Center at 253-798-4600 or 800-562-0332.