By Rick Banas and Jo Ellen Bleavins of BMA Management, Ltd.
As we continue to live longer in the United States, a growing number of individuals are being thrust into the role of being a caregiver regardless of their knowledge, experience or capability.
A study by PEW Research indicates that almost 40% of those 18 years of age and older in the United States are caring for a loved one with significant health issues.
A study published by the RAND Corp. notes that informal caregiving by family and friends ranks as the primary source of long-term care for older adults in our country.
The responsibilities of caregiving can tax a person’s physical abilities, compromise a person’s immune system, and lead to high levels of stress, physical health problems, depression and premature death.
The stress associated with caregiving can also create complications with existing chronic health conditions.
For those in the “Sandwich Generation,” caregiving can cause significant challenges in trying to balance family, work and caregiving responsibilities.
Here a few tips to help caregivers take better care of themselves as they take care of others:
Support Groups & Information
Support groups offer the opportunity to talk with others, seek advice and share stories with others who are in a similar situation.
You can access a variety of support groups on the Caring.com website. Groups are available for those Caring for a Spouse, those Caring for a Parent, Alzheimer’s and Dementia, COPD, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, Cancer, Diabetes, Heart, Stroke and End of Life. {link}
Support groups, chat rooms and message boards are available through the Alzheimer’s Association. {link}
AARP has an on-line Caregiver Resource Center. You’ll find information on providing care, caring for yourself, managing stress and support for caregivers. {link}
A Caregiver Forum and caregiver support are available on the AgingCare.com website. {link}
Apps for Caregivers
CareZone is a free app that caregivers can use to help manage the health needs of family member. You can use it to document the medications the person is taking; when refills are needed; and when doctor’s appointments and rehab therapy sessions are scheduled. You can document symptoms and incidents so they are conveniently available for discussion with a doctor, and you can document the doctor’s instructions. You can privately share the information with other family members. {link}
You also can find information about apps that can be helpful to caregivers in a Blog by Carol O’Dell on “Top Apps to Help Steer through Caregiving” that was posted on the Caring.com website. {link}
Local Resources
Be sure to check with local organizations such the Senior Center, churches, Area Agency on Aging on what resources such as support groups and respite care services are available to caregivers in your immediate area.
All affordable assisted living communities managed by BMA Management, Ltd. are certified and surveyed by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. All assisted living communities are licensed and surveyed by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
“BMA Management, Ltd. is the leading provider of assisted living in Illinois
and one of the 20 largest providers of assisted living in the United States.”
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