So often I hear stories about care givers.People are providing care to their parents, aunts, uncles and loved ones -- both family members and non-family members.
We do not realize the planning and sacrifices needed in order to provide care.
Annually our nation spends $32 billion for home health care.
And $83 billion is spent for nursing-home care annually.
The estimate of unpaid care giving is roughly equivalent to one-fifth of the nation's total annual health care costs, according to a National Council on Aging study.
This is the first systematic, nationwide estimate of what it would cost to care for chronically and terminally ill adults if family and friends did not donate their services.
Caregiver is a growing role in the United States.
Many people with chronic illnesses and health problems wish to remain in their own homes.
Some opt to live with a caregiver versus long-term care placement.
The role of caregiving requires planning and the assistance of available community services.
I researched caregiving on the Internet and found an article from the National Council on Aging's web site.
NCOA's web site can be found at http://www.ncoa.org. The article is titled, Aging in Place Takes Planning, written by George and Emily Watson.
The Watsons are the authors of The Calling -- A Journey on the Path of Parent Care, a handbook offering practical advice and solutions for caregiving and end-of-life issues.
The article recognizes that older adults want to age in place.
They do not want to uproot themselves or their family members.
The Watsons cared for their own parents for 20 years.
They suggest that caregivers "take stock of where you are, and find out as much as you can to prepare for challenges that lie ahead."
The authors recognize that the role of caregiving has two paths.
Caregiving can start slowly (acquiring chores and duties that your loved one can no longer handle) or the role of caregiving can take place suddenly (you may assume responsibilities when a loved one has had a stroke, heart attack or an accident). Due to the latter, many caregivers find their new role overwhelming.
Both gradual and sudden caregivers experience stress in caring for aging parents or loved ones.
Even though many people plan career and retirement, often they do not expect to care for a parent.
Few people realize the time involved in caregiving.
They do not realize how their lives will be affected.
Rather, people tell themselves that parents have insurance or Medicare will cover the cost of caregiving.
Others wait until care is needed and then become overwrought in their search for options and answers to caregiving questions.
Suggestions in preparation for caregiving include:
[] Learn what you can about your particular situation; seek to understand the condition or physical ailment of the older person, make your home accessible to your loved one (especially the bathroom), take time to learn in advance (if possible) what Medicare and secondary/supplemental insurance cover, make sure medical or advanced directives are in order.
[] Build your support system.
Decide who would be the most appropriate caregiver, who is sensitive to the needs and wishes of your parent, who can communicate easily with your parent and keep family members informed, who will make time to be there.
[] Take time for yourself.
Know what rejuvenates you and do it.
Learn to let go of daily expectations and just live.
The authors found rewards far outweighed the sacrifices in caring for their parents.
If you would like more information on services available, such as respite care, call The Senior Services Center of Will County at (815) 723-9713.
Remember that you are not alone.
Caregiving is a labor of love, patience and hard work.
Recognize the need for support systems.
Take care of yourself, so you can continue to care for your loved one.
Kelly Myers is the development director for the Senior Services Center of Will County.
She writes about seniors issues.
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