Growing up, I had BIG dreams. I was going to make sure the family that lived around the corner had new windows (many of them were broken out), become a news reporter, possibly be Miss America and then marry a handsome, rich man who would provide me with all of the comforts of which I would like to become accustomed to including employing a nanny and a cook. Trivial to some, but to me, these were the dreams.
Let's recap how that worked out for me...... the neighbors windows have possibly been replaced and re-broken out ... a few times, just their way of life. I did become editor of the school newspaper and wrote some pretty riveting articles for the local city paper. Miss America?....nope. Handsome, rich man with all the trimmings? I got much more than I had wished for in that category :). Something I didn't really plan on......being a caregiver.
I am not complaining about this at all. In fact, being a caregiver for my grandparents was some of the most treasured time I have spent in my 45+ years on earth. It will soon be six years since Nonno (Italian for grandfather) passed away and almost 10 years since Nonna died. I had no idea you could miss someone so much until I experienced the loss of these two. I remember wondering how I was going to fill up the time I had been spending in their care once they were gone. How silly...time filled up so quickly with life's daily tasks before I knew it.
While no one really plans on being a caregiver, the statistics show that many of us will be. Just look at some of the numbers:
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* More than 65 Million people, 29% of the U.S. population, provide care for the chronically ill, disabled or aged family member or friends during any given year and spend an average of 20 hours per week providing this care.
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| | ~Caregiving in the United States; National Alliance for Caregiving in collaboration with AARP, November 2009 |
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*The typical family caregiver is a 49-year old woman caring for her widowed 69-year-old mother who does not live with her. She is married and employed. Approximately 66% of family caregivers are women. More than 37% have children or grandchildren under 18 years old living with them.
~Caregiving in the United States; National Alliance for Caregiving in collaboration with AARP, November 2009
*36% of family caregivers care for a parent and 7 out of 10 caregivers are caring for a loved one over 50 years old. ~Caregiving in the United States; National Alliance for Caregiving in collaboration with AARP, November 2009
*78% of adults living in the community and in need of long-term care depend on family and friends as their only source of help.
~Thompson, L. Long-term Care: Support for Family Caregivers. 2004
Do you see yourself in the statistics above? There are so many resources available to help you make even the most difficult situation in caregiving more positive.
If you are already in a caregiver position, know that there are a vast number of resources available to help you. You are not the lone ranger!! So many caregivers get caught up in the care and start feeling as if they are the only ones in the situation. They suffer from health issues, time constraints, stress and burnout! Don't be afraid to seek out help! Ask family, friends, enlist the help of a company that specializes in caring for individuals. A great resource is a caregiver support group. There are so many available and one will surely fit your needs.
Anticipating becoming a caregiver can be a lot like building a house. you don't just jump in with a shovel and a pair of gloves and start digging....you make a plan, get all of the information available and start with a firm foundation. With the internet resources available today, you can find almost all of the resource necessary to make the caregiving situation as positive as possible.
I am involved in a caregiver support group meeting called CARE. The name stands for Caregivers Allowed to Rejuvenate and Energize. On Wednesday, January 12, 2011 we will hold our next meeting at the Payson Senior Center from 6:30-8:00 PM. If you would like to attend, please call Tammy @ 801-465-5215 to register. A light dinner is served. You may bring the loved one that you are providing care for and supervision will be provided. No children attend this meeting.
There are other CARE meetings in the works in other parts of Utah County including Bel Aire Senior Living in American Fork. The first meeting at this location will be February 16, 2011 from 7-8 PM. More information will be upcoming on our blog.
Please let me know if there is anything I can help you or your loved ones with. Have a wonderful week!
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