Caregiver Information
Coping with Stress
Many times, as we’re caring for our older lover ones, we don’t realize the stress we’re under and how it affects our daily living. To alleviate the stress, here are some easy things to incorporate into your daily activities:
- Get up 15 minutes earlier
- Prepare for the morning the night before
- Don’t rely on your memory…write it down
- Say “no” more often
- Unclutter your life
- Smile
- Set appointments ahead
- Stop saying negative things to yourself
- Have goals for yourself
- Keep a journal
- Do everything in moderation
- Get enough sleep
- Relax; take each day one at a time
Current Facts, Trends and Statistics about Caregivers
According to a recent study in the tri-county area, there are approximately 497,000 older adults age 65 or older. By the year 2030, this percentage will increase by 85%.
By the year 2035, one in every 4 Michigan residents will be over the age of 65, thus creating an increased need for services provided by agencies.
As the senior population grows, the need for supportive services to help older people stay in their homes and maintain their independence will grow as well.
While many family caregivers find their caring to be fulfilling and rewarding, many also find it to be a difficult and challenging experience.
- Half of all family caregivers suffer feelings of isolation, and half report feeling that the burden of caregiving is too much for them to handle (RWJ, 2001).
- 40% report that caregiving has affected their ability to advance in their jobs (MetLife, 1999)
- Between 45-60% experience depression as a result of their caregiving (Family Caregiver Alliance)
There can be huge financial implications for caregivers. The average aggregated amount lost in total wealth by caregivers as a result of caring for a loved one is $659,139 over the lifetime. (This includes lost wages, Social Security and lost pension benefits.) Source: AoA 2004.
Who is a caregiver? Am I a caregiver? The definition of a caregiver is a family member or close acquaintance who performs tasks to assist an older adult with routine activities that were previously performed without assistance.
What Every Caregiver Should Know
- Because many people may not think of themselves as “caregivers,” they may not know to ask for assistance until they’re overwhelmed and frustrated.
- Family Caregivers, those who are providing care for loved ones, have access to services that can help them; however, it’s important that their needs be properly evaluated in order to connect them to the most appropriate services.
- When a Family Caregiver is matched to the appropriate services, they are able to do a better job in caring for their loved one. The key is for them to identify themselves as a Family Caregiver and to understand that helping themselves can be beneficial to them individually and to their loved one.
Why does a Caregiver need support?
There are a variety of services that can benefit a caregiver including counseling. As a result of receiving support services, research has shown that this can help reduce the burden that many caregivers experience, enable caregivers to stay in the workforce and possibly defer institutionalization of care recipients.
