According to the Pew Research Center’s Internet and American Life Project, 45% of all caregivers are male. The numbers are growing rapidly and will continue to do so.

When the husband, the traditional “provider,” must cut back on hours to stay at the bedside of his chronically ill wife, it can interfere with his ability to earn a living and meet financial obligations.

The financial costs associated with chronic illnesses are often as challenging as caregiving is demanding. When a spouse has a limited income because of time missed from work, he may have to choose between paying for prescription medications or buying groceries. Both are essential, but it is unacceptable for anyone to go without life-saving medications.

Real Men CARE’s Caregiver Assistance Fund (CAF ) is a program that strives to ease the burden placed on families by providing financial assistance to male caregivers who are experiencing an unexpected urgent need or hardship. Help may range from essentials, such as food, utilities, and medications, because even if the insurance company covers a medication, and you still can’t afford the co-pay, you are still in need of financial help.

Currently assistance is provided to residents of the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. Unfortunately resources are limited. We may not be able to fulfill all requests. Aid is focused on those who demonstrate true financial need. To see if you financially or medically qualify, please e-mail caf@realmencare.org for a copy of our Caregiver Assistance Fund 2016 Guidelines.

If you are unsure of what classifies as a hardship, or for more information, contact us. If we are unable to fund your specific need through our own program, we can provide information and resources to help identify alternative solutions.