Cargivers Are Stepping Up
Taking On Responsibilities & Sometimes A Full Time Job
With families spreading out around the country and the expansion in
professional elder care services, it is commonly assumed that as people
age they are left alone to fend for themselves. In many cases, that is
not true. Family members, loved ones and friends are stepping up to provide
assistance when seniors cannot do for themselves.
Caregivers run the gamut from helping out
now and again to living with a senior and providing full-time, primary
care. Also known as informal caregivers to differentiate them from career
professionals, these unsung heroes assist those who need help with an
activity of daily living (ADL) or have some degree of illness/incapacitation.
It is estimated that it would cost $196 billion to pay for the services
they provide. Of course, to a senior who treasures the selfless compassion,
love, care and dedication of their caregiver, the services are priceless.
A refrigerator can contain clues that a caregiver
is needed. No food can indicate shopping or walking problems. Old food
can mean no appetite or a cognitive problem.
Demographics
Silent Calls For Help
Caregivers are a large (and growing) segment
of our society. Here are some of the statistics.
- 5.8-7 million people provide caregiving to seniors 65 years of age
and older who need help with daily activities.
- 5 million people provide caregiving to loved ones 50 years of age
and older who suffer from a form of dementia.
- 23% of U.S. households (22.4 million) are involved with the caregiving
for a loved one who is 50 years of age and older. This number could
expand to 39 million by 2007.
- 75% of the caregivers are women.
- The average age of a caregiver (of a loved one over 50 years of age)
is 46.
- 26% of caregivers are daughters.
- 51% of caregivers also work at full time jobs. An additional 12%
work part-time.
Caregivers can not expect an invitation from their needy loved one for
help. All the more reason to be alert for signs that help is needed.
In addition to health issues, here are some things to look for.
- Physical red flags, such as weight loss, bruises and burns, swallowing
problems, unsteady balance and the frequent dropping of things.
- Psychological red flags, such as personality changes, consistent
forgetfulness, confusion, physical/verbal abuse and depression.
- Changes in appearance and personal hygiene.
- Difficulty or avoidance of everyday tasks, such as talking, walking,
cooking, shopping and household chores.
- Change in reliability, such as mail going unopened, bills unpaid
and calls not returned.
- Loss of interest in friends and activities they previously enjoyed
and looked forward to.
(Statistics Source: Family Caregiver Alliance)
