Caring Causes: Sibling Caregivers Campaign

One group of caregivers is often overlooked - the siblings of those with disabilities who are or may become their caretakers. And with 20 million American families having at least one member with special needs, the chances of a sibling caring for a person with a disability is likely.

 

Easter Seals’ Sibling Disability Study, commissioned by MassMutual, found that:

·         While 80 percent of respondents expect to eventually be their sibling’s primary caregiver, only 33 percent of future caregivers feel financially prepared to provide that care.

·         60 percent of caregivers wish they knew more about planning for their sibling’s care and finances, yet just over a third report that they use special needs services.

 

In an effort to raise awareness of this issue and provide financial and educational resources for those who are caring for a sibling with a disability, MassMutual is launching a social media campaign that encourages people to use the hashtag #siblingsmatter along with a story, photo or statement about what their sibling means to them. The campaign will run through May 31 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and will offer a $25,000 donation to Easter Seals with the goal of driving 10,000 mentions of the hashtag.