Honoring Family Caregivers

November is National Family Caregivers Month, and what better time to acknowledge their sacrifice since it’s also the month when families gather to celebrate all things for which they are most grateful.

Defining the Family Caregiver.

In America, there are almost 70 million family caregivers, people from all walks of life, who provide care and support to friends or family members unable to care for themselves. Close to 50 million of the care recipients are elderly. And the numbers are growing.

In the past century, the life expectancy for those living in the United States has doubled, thanks to improved medical care and advances, the eradication of many infectious diseases, and improved living standards. In her article, “Someone to Lean On,” (Reader’s Digest, Dec. 09/Jan. 10), writer Camille Peri projects that by 2050, those 65 and older will double and, as amazing as it sounds, those over 85 will triple!

Unfortunately, longevity is often accompanied by a host of ailments; physical or emotional impairment, psychiatric disorders, chronic diseases, and various disabilities.

Institutions vs. Care-Giving in the Home

There is a misconception that our elders live out their lives in nursing homes or other healthcare facilities. That is simply not the case. The truth is, the majority receive care from a family member, usually a woman, be it a daughter or daughter-in-law, who are trying to balance a full-time job as well as provide unpaid care.

According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, a non-profit organization aimed at increasing public awareness on issues regarding family caregivers, these heroes represent nearly one-third of U.S. households. Their duties include personal care, preparing meals, keeping track of medication, and providing transportation to doctor’s appointments.

Although caregivers are repeatedly advised to focus on their own needs as well, there is little time left over at the end of the day for such luxuries. Fatigue is an ever-present companion, often accompanied by depression; but unless the care recipient has long-term care insurance, which most do not, the caregiver can expect little in the way of financial or home care assistance. In fact, they often end up dipping into their savings or retirement in order to meet increased expenditures.

Family Medical Leave

In some cases, depending on the level of care a recipient requires, the caregiver is often forced to work less hours or consider quitting their jobs. The Family and Medical Leave Act was established so that eligible employees could take up to twelve weeks of unpaid leave, (during any twelve-month period), to care for a seriously ill family member without jeopardizing their jobs. On October 28, 2009, the President signed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010, allowing eligible family members up to 26 weeks of unpaid but job-protected leave to care for returning veterans with serious injuries. While job security is a big plus in today’s uncertain economy, neither plan addresses the loss of income. Why? Again, the National Alliance For Caregivers has the explanation from their pamphlet "Crisis for the Caregiver: A Place to Start":

“Caregiving delivered via family and friends results in significant savings to the government, health care institutions and agencies that would otherwise be responsible for delivering care. In fact, the contributions represented by the care delivered by informal and family caregivers add up to about $375 billion each year.”

It is unlikely that the caregiving dilemma will be solved quickly, but the Alliance is devoted to the cause. Their website not only offers a wealth of information with numerous links designed to help the caregiver, it gives updates on federal legislation that significantly impact both caregiver and recipient.

Despite the hardships and emotional strain felt by those caring for a sick or elderly family member, many admit the experience has been meaningful for all involved. More often than not, it strengthens the sense of family and creates a loving bond between the actual caregiver and recipient.