Caring for Yourself When You Are a Caregiver

Posted on

Nov 13, 2019

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Millions of Americans take care of a friends or family members as informal caregivers unpaid support helping with daily living activities, managing chronic health conditions and/or disabilities, ensuring insurance information and critical long-term planning is up-to-date as well as many other tasks.

These informal supports are spouses, partners, family members, friends, or neighbors who do not self-identify as caregivers. These individuals simply consider the care they provide as what you do for someone you care about to help older adults live independently and with dignity.
Caregivers Are Growing Older and Suffering Emotional & Physical Strain
The National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP (2015) reports that 34% of caregivers are 65+ years old and the average duration of a caregivers role is four years. And, regardless of employment status, these unpaid caregivers find that positive activities in their respective daily lives are reduced by 27.2% as a result of their caregiving responsibilities. [Coughlin, J. (2010). Estimating the Impact of Caregiving and Employment on Well-Being: Outcomes & Insights in Health Management.] That is because, although being a caregiver can be a labor of love, the stress and responsibilities of being a caregiver can be overwhelming. So, taking care of yourself is one of the most important things you can do as a caregiver.
Resources & Services Available From Local Leaders in Aging
PLOWS Council on Aging, Southwest Suburban Cook Countys premier leader and connection to aging information and resources, has extensive experience supporting caregivers of older adults in 20 communities within the suburban Cook County Townships of Palos, Lemont, Orland and Worth. One of our most requested services is our respite program which provides temporary companionship of an older adult over 60 years old so informal caregivers can get much needed breaks. Respite is a federally funded program under the Older Americans Act. Donations are suggested for the respite program, however, service is not denied due to an inability to make a donation.
The respite program is available seven days a week and can be arranged for just an afternoon or for several days or weeks. As part of this service, trained homemakers visit your home to provide supervision, companion care, meal preparation, and/or personal care assistance. No medical care is provided and medications cannot be administered. Respite can be provided in the home, at an adult day service facility, or in a long-term care facility.

Editors Note: This article was submitted by Catherine Stowers, Program Manager for Caregiver Support with PLOWS Council on Aging. For appointments and information on services, please call 708-361-0219.

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As we age, many of us will require assistance with daily living activities. While some seniors opt to move into assisted living facilities or nursing homes, many prefer to receive care in the comfort of their own homes. In-home care has become increasingly popular over the years, but many people are unsure about the cost. In this blog, well take a closer look at the cost of in-home care and what factors can impact the price.What is In-Home Care?In-home care refers to a range of services that are provided to seniors in their own homes. This type of care can include assistance with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation, as well as medical services like medication management and wound care. In-home care can be provided by trained professionals, such as home health aides or licensed nurses, or by family members or friends.The Cost of In-Home CareThe cost of in-home care can vary widely depending on a number of factors. According to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the national median cost of in-home care in 2020 was $24 per hour for homemaker services and $24 per hour for home health aide services. However, the cost can be higher or lower depending on where you live, the type of services you need, and the amount of care required.One of the biggest factors that can impact the cost of in-home care is the level of care needed. Seniors who require only minimal assistance with daily living activities may only need a few hours of in-home care per week, while those who require more intensive care may need around-the-clock assistance. The more care that is required, the higher the cost will be.Another factor that can impact the cost of in-home care is the type of services needed. Homemaker services, which include tasks like cleaning, cooking, and running errands, are typically less expensive than home health aide services, which provide more hands-on care like medication management and assistance with personal hygiene.Finally, the cost of in-home care can also vary depending on where you live. In some parts of the country, the cost of in-home care may be higher due to a higher cost of living or a shortage of trained professionals in the area.Paying for In-Home CareMany seniors and their families are concerned about how they will pay for in-home care. Fortunately, there are a number of options available to help cover the cost.One option is to use personal savings or retirement funds to pay for in-home care. Another option is to use long-term care insurance, which can help cover the cost of in-home care as well as other long-term care expenses.Medicare may also cover some of the cost of in-home care if certain criteria are met, such as if the senior is homebound and requires skilled nursing care. Medicaid may also cover the cost of in-home care for seniors who meet certain income and asset requirements.Finally, some seniors may be eligible for assistance from nonprofit organizations or community groups that provide financial assistance for in-home care.Choosing In-Home CareIf you or a loved one is considering in-home care, its important to choose a provider that meets your needs and budget. Look for a provider that is licensed, bonded, and insured, and that has a reputation for providing high-quality care.Its also a good idea to ask for references and to check online reviews from other clients. Finally, be sure to ask about the cost of services upfront and to get a detailed breakdown of all fees and charges.In-home care can be a great option for seniors who want to receive care in the comfort of their own homes. While the cost of in-home care can vary depending on a number of factors, there are a variety of options available to help cover the cost.

The Role of Technology in Enhancing In-Home Care Service

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Helping Your Loved One Manage Their Finances

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By understanding and utilizing the services provided by these professionals, families can enhance the quality of life for their loved ones and themselves. For more detailed information and resources, the Aging Life Care Association website is an excellent place to start.