In looking over my past columns, I realize there is one particular topic that I address every year.
It’s the celebration of National Caregivers Day, which occurs on the third Friday in February. It is dedicated to raising awareness of the important role of family caregivers, bringing caregiving to the attention of the community and employers, and developing a strategy to support unpaid caregivers. It’s an opportunity to celebrate and honor those who look after loved ones.
Caregiving affects an increasing number of us. And many are currently feeling the impact, or have felt it in the past.
This is not only a local challenge but a national one. As a nation, we are facing a caregiver crisis, meaning we will not have enough. The most significant factor in this shortage is our rapidly aging population, with most older adults wanting to age in place. This preference has increased the demand for in-home care.
The cost of paid care has driven millions of families to provide that care and support themselves. For example, in California, the average rate for a home-care aide is roughly $33 to $38 an hour, depending on the source. Twenty-four-hour care costs about $25,000 a month or more in the Los Angeles area. And according to a Harvard report titled “Housing America’s Older Adults,” only 14% of those 75 or older who live alone can afford a daily home health aide visit.
So, what do we know about the subject? Take this brief quiz to find out.
1. One in 4 adults is an unpaid family caregiver.
True. That represents a nearly 50% increase since 2015.
2. The average age of a caregiver is 50.
True. And almost one-third are part of the sandwich generation, supporting both children and adults.
3. Most caregivers receive training when performing complex medical tasks such as managing equipment or giving injections.
False. Many caregivers do perform complex medical tasks, yet only a little over 20% receive any training.
4. Long-term caregivers are at risk for their own physical and mental health.
True. About 1 in 5 report their health as fair or poor. They often suffer from depression, anxiety, a weakened immune system and chronic diseases such as heart ailments, cancer, diabetes or arthritis.
5. Most family caregivers can manage the financial strain.
False. Many cannot. Over one-third have stopped saving, while others have used up their savings and used retirement or education accounts.
6. Roughly one-fourth of unpaid caregivers are not working.
False. Some 70% are employed while providing care. More than half go late to work, leave early and take time off. Others go from full-time to part-time work or reduce their hours. Roughly 10% give up their work entirely.
Finally, here are some thoughts from a care recipient and his family caregiver I recently spoke with.
A highly independent, 85-year-old ex-Marine has diminishing vision. His wife is becoming his care provider.
I asked him, “How do you feel about that?”
He quickly replied, “Isn’t that just part of being married? My feeling is to let me do what I can do myself. And what do I really want? Just to be with her.”
So I asked his wife, “What do you want for your husband?”
“To hear him sing in the shower and be as healthy as he can be because I love him,” she said. “It’s a tough balance not to take away that which he can do for himself. I don’t do well when I am overtired.”
To seek help, she went looking for a “nonna,” the Italian word for grandmother. She found one and hired her! Not all family caregivers are that fortunate. Again, affordability often is the defining factor.
Yet each of us can be a resource and support to a caregiver. Consider delivering a meal or two, offering some respite time, making a phone call or stopping by for a visit.
Let’s all celebrate Caregivers Day every day and honor the unsung heroes: our family caregivers.
Helen Dennis is a nationally recognized leader on issues of aging and the new retirement with academic, corporate and nonprofit experience. Contact Helen with your questions and comments at Helendenn@gmail.com. Visit Helen at HelenMdennis.com and follow her on facebook.com/SuccessfulAgingCommunity
