No Cape Required
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No Cape Required
3. Juggling Act: Balancing Your Life and Caregiving Responsibilities
Approximately 50 million Americans provide family care services to elderly and disabled people right now, and many of them find themselves sandwiched between this caregiving for an elderly family member and then caregiving for their own children.
Some stats show that more than 75% of eldery caregivers are women. And to be fair, some women are responsible for the caregiving while their spouse or their partner is responsible for the financial stability of the family. But that's not always the case. Some women give up careers or pause careers in order to do so.
Caregiving is a layered experience, involving not only the physical care of the elderly but also navigating complex family dynamics and support systems. Each caregiving situation is unique, presenting various challenges and demands on the caregiver. Recognizing and addressing the diverse challenges faced by caregivers is essential for providing effective support and ensuring the well-being of both caregivers and care recipients. Key points are below.
Diverse Needs of Care Recipients: Individuals requiring care vary greatly in their needs, from minimal assistance with tasks like medication management to more intensive support due to chronic illness or cognitive decline.
Balancing Responsibilities: Balancing physical, emotional, and mental energy becomes essential for caregivers to avoid burnout.
Navigating Support Systems: Caregivers often feel overwhelmed and isolated, lacking knowledge of available resources and support systems.
Challenges in Caregiver-Elder Relationships: Caregivers may face strained or complicated relationships with the individuals they care for, especially if there is a history of abuse or discord.
Family Dynamics and Sibling Rivalry: Family dynamics can complicate caregiving arrangements, with issues such as sibling rivalry and disagreements over caregiving responsibilities arising.
Planning for Emergencies: Develop emergency plans for caregiving situations, especially when the primary caregiver is unable to fulfill their role temporarily is essential. Considerations include designating power of attorney, guardianship arrangements, and asset management in case of incapacity.
Understanding Caregiving Needs The specific needs of the elder, ranging from medication management to assistance with daily activities like bathing and mobility is critical and home modifications for safety and accessibility are often needed.
Choosing Care Facilities: There is criteria for selecting appropriate care facilities, including staffing and financial considerations such as Medicaid acceptance and affordability are crucial factors in decision-making.
National Resources:
The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care (advocates for quality long-term care) Click on ‘Get Help’ for US map, then select state for local information
Eldercare Locator (federal agency for legal assistance, reporting elder abuse)
Alzheimer's Association
Connect with Marianne Schmenk
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