You have begun a very important journey. The information in this Guide will assist you in finding your way through the challenges and opportunities of caregiving.
There are about 15 million caregivers in the United States caring for someone over 50.(1) In addition, there are millions of families made-up of grandparents raising their grandchildren and the number continues to grow. Family caregivers provide at least two-thirds of all home care services in the US.
Caregivers provide critically needed care that allows infirm older people to remain in their homes longer. Also, grandchildren may have behavior problems or need extra help, especially if they are coming from a situation where they were neglected or abused. Caring for an elderly family member or grandchild can be very rewarding but often frustrating. It creates conflicting emotions. If, as a caregiver, you neglect yourself, the stress of caregiving can take its toll.
Seek help early. Don't wait until you are totally burned out. Educate yourself about the disease or disability you are working with, its progression and how to adapt to the various stages. Learn about the losses to come so they will not be unexpected. Don't neglect to plan for the future. Good planning includes getting a power of attorney, accessing community care early and filling out placement papers before they are needed.
You must recognize the hidden grief component of your anger, anxiety, guilt and depression. Expect adaptation, but no resolution of your grief. Make sure you have a family doctor who is willing to listen and understand. Establish good communication with all your health care providers.
To avoid burnout and thus be unable to fulfill your caregiver duties, find someone to talk with and discuss your feelings. Set realistic goals. Don't try to be a Super Hero. Determine your priorities and ask others for help when needed. Talk to a professional. Clergy, social workers, psychologists and nurses are often trained to provide counseling on caregiving issues.
Above all, take one day at a time. Both you and the person you are caring for will benefit once you learn your limits and how to meet your own needs. This Guide is offered to make your journey easier.
1. Some Amazing Facts about Caregivers
FACT:
The average monthly out-of?pocket expense for a family caregiver is $171. Total un-reimbursed monthly expense for family caregivers is $1.5 billion!
FACT:
One-third of informal caregivers consider themselves to be in fair to poor health-citing physical strain and chronic stress as two conditions.
FACT:
Latinos are the fastest growing segment of the age 65 and over population, facing unique barriers to accessing formal services.
FACT:
5.4 million children live in households maintained by grandparents or other non-parental relatives (parents may also be present).
FACT:
75% of all family caregivers are women.(2)
FACT:
Caregivers rate loss of leisure, the change in family dynamics, and feelings of isolation as the most burdensome aspect of family caregiving.
FACT:
Many family caregivers say they have suffered from prolonged depression
FACT:
More people enter nursing homes because of caregiver burnout, rather than a worsening of their condition.
Become informed about the disease & disability
2. Become informed about agencies or organizations that can offer assistance and resources
3. Network with other caregivers for support & suggestions
4. Join a support group
5. Take advantage of respite care (temporary relief) when available
6. Allow friends to assist when offered
7. Develop a care team
8. Learn stress management techniques
9. Learn time management techniques
10. Read, Read, Read
Friendly Reminders
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Welcome Change & Adapt
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Educate Yourself
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Maintain social activities & important relationships
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Work off Anger & Frustrations
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Take Care of Yourself
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Be Realistic
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Give Yourself Credit
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Plan for the Future
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Talk to Someone
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Join a Support Group
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Exercise
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The 3 D?s: Dream, Dedication, & Discipline. Dream of your goals, then you need the Dedication to pursue those goals, and most of all the Discipline to achieve them.
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Know the signs of Burnout & Stress: Denial, Anger, Social Withdraw, Anxiety, Depression, Exhaustion, Sleeplessness, Irritability, Lack of Concentration, & Health Problems
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Laugh
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If at all possible involve your Family
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Keep a Journal
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Adapt the home for your loved ones health concerns
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Plan, Plan, Plan for the future: remember this may not be a short-term commitment
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Keep a Job Jar: When someone offers to help, pull a job from the jar for them to do
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Talk to someone, anyone
Tips for Working Caregivers
As the population ages, employers who want to retain good employees are going to have to implement strategies to help employees address the balance of their work and personal life. Here are some helpful tips if you
?re a caregiver still in the workforce:
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Take advantage of the Family and Medical Leave Act.
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Enlist the support of your employer for flexible, reduced or part-time hours.
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Work at home or telecommute.
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Take advantage of employee assistance programs (EAP) at your workplace.
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Ask the personnel director about what your employer offers.
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Access public senior service programs and check out resource and referral services for elder care on the Internet.
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See if your employer can set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for elder care.
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Have a support network of alternative caregivers.
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Seek out professional counseling before burn out.
