Caregiving
Caregivers are people who take care of other adults, most often parents or spouses, who are ill or disabled. The people who receive care usually need help with basic daily tasks. Caregivers help with many things such as:
The primary caregiver is most often female. Studies have shown that wives, adult daughter-in-laws, and daughters provide most of the personal care and help with household tasks, transportation and shopping. Men are more likely to purchase services or provide management services. According to the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, a 2004 study estimates that 21%, or 44.4 million, of the U.S. population provides unpaid care to friends and family age 18 and older. The terms informal caregiver and family caregiver refer to people who are not paid to provide care. As the American population ages, the number of caregivers and the demands placed on them will grow.
Caregiver stress is the emotional strain of caregiving. Studies show that caregiving takes a toll on physical and emotional health. Caregivers are more likely to suffer from depression than their peers. Limited research suggests that caregivers may also be more likely to have health problems like diabetes and heart disease than non-caregivers. Women caregivers are particularly prone to feeling stress and overwhelmed. Studies show that female caregivers have more emotional and physical health problems, employment-related problems, and financial strain than male caregivers. Other research shows that people who care for their spouses are more prone to caregiving-related stress than those who care for other family members. It is important to note that caring for another person can also create positive emotional change. Aside from feeling stress, many caregivers say their role has given them a sense of purpose and provide comfort in knowing they are making a difference in the life of a loved one.
How can I tell if caregiving is putting too much stress on me? If you have any of the following symptoms, caregiving may be putting too much strain on you:
What can I do to prevent or relieve stress? Take care of yourself. In the process, you'll become a better caregiver. Take the following steps to make YOUR health a priority:
Caregivers who work outside the home should consider taking some time off. If you are feeling overwhelmed, taking a break from your job may help you get back on track. Employees covered under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act may be able to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year to care for relatives. Ask your human resources office about options for unpaid leave. (Link to www.dol.gov/esa/whd/fmla.)
The term respite care means care that gives the regular caregiver some time away from caregiving responsibilities. Respite care gives family caregivers a much-needed break, and in the process, respite care reduces caregiver stress.
Respite care is essential to family caregivers. Studies show that respite care helps caregivers keep their loved ones at home for longer periods of time.
What is the National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP)? The National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) is a federally-funded program through the Older Americans Act. The NFCSP helps states provide services that assist family caregivers. To be eligible for the NFCS, caregivers must:
Each state offers different amounts and types of services. These include:
How can I find out about caregiving resources in my community? A number of resources can help direct you to the caregiver services you need. These agencies will be able to tell you:
People who need help caring for an older person should contact their local Administration on Aging (AOA) office. (Link to http://www.aoa.gov/eldfam/How_To_Find/Agencies/Agencies.asp) To find your local or state AOA, contact the toll-free National Eldercare Locator, (Link to www.eldercare.gov), at 1-800-677-1116. Be sure to have the address, zip code, and county of residence for the person needing assistance.
What kind of home care help is available? There are two kinds of home care: home health care and non-medical home care services. Both types help sick and disabled people live independently in their homes for as long as possible. Caregivers and doctors decide what services are necessary and most helpful. Home health care includes health-related services such as:
Who is eligible for Medicare home health care services? To get Medicare home health care, a person must meet all of the following four conditions:
Will Medicare or Medicaid help pay for home health care? Medicare pays for very limited home healthcare services: primarily skilled care like nursing services or physical, occupational, or speech therapy. It is a requirement that such care help the patient recover function following an illness or hospitalization and is continued as long as the patient makes progress and is substantially housebound. Medicare will pay for a small amount of help with activities of daily living (such as bathing and eating) for a limited time if the patient also is receiving skilled care. Visit the Medicare website for more information about the Medicare home health benefit. To qualify for Medicaid, a person must have a low income and few other assets. Medicaid coverage differs from state to state. In all states, Medicaid pays for basic home health care and medical equipment. In some cases, Medicaid will pay for a homemaker, personal care, and other services not covered by Medicare. For more information on Medicaid coverage of home health care in your state, call your state medical assistance office. For state telephone numbers, call 1-800-MEDICARE. For more information on caregiver resources, please visit Resources. (Link to our Resources Page. Abstracted primarily from the Office on Women's Health in the Department of Health and Human Service. (Create link to http://www.4women.gov/FAQ/caregiver.htm)
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