THE CAREGIVER The effects of care giving are vast and individual. Caregivers are at increased risk for adverse effects on their well-being ranging from health and quality of life to their relationships and economic security. The consequences for individual caregivers depend on many factors. More than 40 million people provide care, in some way, for a parent, grandparent, relative or neighbor with basic needs: dressing, bathing, cooking, medications or transportation. Often, they do some or all of this while working, parenting, or both. According to AARP research, the average caregiver is a 49-year-old woman caring for an older relative but many caregivers are millennial’s, male and female. About one-third of caregivers have a full-time job, and 25 percent work part time. A third provide more than 23 hours of care per week. Informal caregivers are generally unpaid, but there care is valued at $470 billion a year. Because of longer life expectancies, the demand for caregivers is growing but the supply is shrinking, In 2015, there were seven potential family caregivers for every person over 80. By 2030, the ratio is expected to be four-to-one, and by 2050, there will be fewer than three potential caregivers for every older adult. And there is the physical and emotional toll of extended care giving. Family caregivers are more likely to experience negative health effects like anxiety, depression, and chronic disease. Studies found that those who experienced mental or emotional stress while caring for a disabled spouse were 63 percent more likely to die within four years than non-caregivers. Another study found that long-term caregivers have lowered immune systems even three years after their care giving roles have ended. Yet, as overextended, and often under appreciated family caregivers are, they continue to be there. For many, caring for a loved one provides tremendous purpose and fulfillment. It can deepen relationships and offer the time and space for connection where it otherwise might not exist. It seems that the goal, then, should not be to reduce family care giving, but to reduce its burdens. There are measures that could help. Many states now have instituted policy and even passed laws relating to care giving. You have to keep remembering, you don’t have to be a nursing expert, a superhero, or a saint to be a good caregiver. Care giving can be a good experience. Learn as much as you can about the illness. Look for support and community resources and trust your instincts. Encourage independence and be open to technologies and strategies that support it. Set clear limits and communicate them to all involved. Know your limits and be realistic about how much of your time and yourself you can give.
By Dr. Lois Ricci
Caregiving Ambassador AARP Georgia
19
Atlanta Family Caregiver Expo
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker