Caring for Caregivers

by Jennifer VanderVeen

 

 

Many family caregivers toil in isolation, focused on managing their own lives, careers and families while providing much needed care for an aging or disabled loved ones.  They often don't have the time or energy to search out help or advice. One of the biggest services that any professional dealing with family caregivers can provide to their clients is maintaining a list of available supports and services for these caregivers.

 

There are programs through both Medicaid and the Veterans Administration to train, pay and, in some cases, provide benefits to family caregivers.  One in five adults is providing some level of care for an adult family member and half of those caregivers report at least one type of financial strain with one-third experiencing two types of financial strain.  These programs can help alleviate some of the burden on caregivers.

 

Online or in person support groups can help provide a caregiver with a network of resources to draw on when they encounter difficult situations.  In person support groups may include respite care to allow the caregiver to attend, providing a much needed break.  Online groups are available when the caregiver has time and on their schedule.

 

Medicare hospice benefits include a respite benefit which can provide inpatient care for up to 5 days at a time to give caregivers a break.

 

 

Statistics from AARP and National Alliance on Caregiving study Caregiving in the U.S.: 2020 https://www.caregiving.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/full-report-caregiving-in-the-united-states-01-21.pdf