Caregiver Burnout

If you are helping a family member or friend over age 50 with things such as dressing, bathing, housework, or taking medicine on a regular basis, then you are a caregiver. You are not alone—there are close to 50 million Americans involved in caregiving. Caregivers spend an average of 20 hours each week caring for one (or more) older adults. About one in four of caregivers have been giving care for more than five years. About three in four caregivers work a paying job and spend up to $5000 out of pocket each year to help with caregiving costs.

Caregivers are at higher risk for symptoms of anxiety and depression because of the burden of these many roles. Their physical health may also suffer. It is normal for caregivers to feel alone and overwhelmed. Caregivers may also feel unable to communicate well with the person receiving care and/or other family members. They also report needing information on how to keep their loved ones safe at home and to find activities to do with them. And caregivers also need resources to help them manage their own stress and make time for themselves.

The following agencies and people can help you find the help you need:

• Eldercare Locator Visit www.eldercare.gov to search for community services by zip code, city or topic. Or call 800-677-1116 to speak with an Information Specialist.
  You can find your local Area Agency on Aging through the Eldercare Locator. Among other things, an Area Agency on Aging caseworker can visit you and your loved one and give you information about different sources for the help you need, how much this help might cost, and how you can get financial assistance.
• Other community Resources Your local United Way and faith-based organizations can also help you find assistance.

• Social workers Social workers at hospitals, clinics, or home health agencies, and specially trained s “geriatric care managers,” can help, too. The National Association of Professional Geriatrics Care Managers can provide more information. (Note: Insurance usually doesn’t cover the cost of geriatric care manager assistance.)

Among other things, these groups and individuals can help you find the following kinds of help:

• Financial – assistance and advice on paying for the services your loved one needs; including assistance completing paper work.
• Transportation – to take your loved one shopping or to and from medical appointments.
• Meals – including help preparing meals or having meals delivered.
• Home nursing services – including visits from Registered Nurses, private duty nurses, nurses aides and hospice.
• Respite care services – which send trained helpers to your loved one’s home so you can take a break.
• Reliable “home helpers” – who can visit your loved one for an hour or two at a time to help with bathing, light housekeeping, cooking, and errands.
• Adult day care – centers where older adults can go for several hours during the day for care supervised by healthcare staff. This care usually includes social programs, recreation and meals. Special adult day care programs are available for people with dementia, depression and social problems

Adapted from " Caregiving for an Older Adult: Stressing and a Blessing  & "Tips for Avoiding Caregiver Burnout"

http://www.healthinaging.org/blog/caregiving-for-an-older-adult-stressing-and-a-blessing-2/