a 1 minute 45 sec read…
Let’s start with this quick fact, which I find critical in understanding a future that may very well resemble yours.
“When asked if they had a choice in taking on the responsibility to provide care for their loved one, half of caregivers self-reported they had NO choice in taking care of their caregiving responsibilities.”
But what’s this got to do with you
Human beings generally don’t deal well to complex and stressful situations we didn’t choose to be in.
It’s hard and challenging enough when we have a say, imagine when we are caught by surprise!
The fact is…
There is stress and strain in caregiving…
But it’s how you handle the situation that will dictate the best outcome and quality of life for both you and your loved one.
The facts matter, but it’s the meaning you give those facts that will determine whether caregiving for a loved one will turn into a selfless act of love and gratitude you will learn and grow from…
Or a hellish situation you can’t find a way out of.
We promote 2 key caregiving thriving elements:
Education – learn, learn, learn …find out how the system works and better yet, how it works specific to your personal situation.
Team building – develop relationships with providers, healthcare personnel, social workers, and home care agencies that can help and guide you to make smart decisions.
“Six in 10 caregivers report having to make a workplace accommodation as a result of caregiving, such as cutting back on their working hours, taking a leave of absence, receiving a warning about performance or attendance…”
Many caregivers opt to change work environments in order to fit their caregiving needs.
This is ok as long as it doesn’t affect your lifestyle drastically or in a negative way.
Some employers may accommodate your caregiving needs, but many will not and this may affect you in ways you didn’t expect.
If you are caregiving for more than 15-30 hours a week, be ready for changes in your work and personal schedule.
Make changes accordingly and be ready to switch gears fast. If you are aware you won’t be surprised.
Take Alzheimer’s for example, in 2014 just under 16 million family and friends provided almost 18 billion hours of unpaid care to those with this condition, for total care valued at $217.7 billion.
In a study conducted by Genworth last year …among caregivers surveyed in the study…
51 percent felt that caregiving responsibilities negatively impacted their ability to perform their jobs. That’s not surprising considering these findings:
- 77% reported missing some work during the past year, up 19% from when caregivers were surveyed by Genworth in 2010
- Caregivers missed an average of 7 hours of work per week
- 19% missed 10 or more hours of work per week
As a result of their caregiving responsibilities:
- 11% lost their jobs
- 10% had to change careers and
- 12% had to change positions
“More than 8 out of 10 caregivers (84%) state that they could use more information or help on caregiving topics. Caregivers most commonly want information about keeping their loved one safe at home (42%) and about managing their own stress (42%)”
Information is huge …that’s why it’s one of our main caregiving thriving points is having the right conversations with health care providers.
Inability to access affordable services is a big issue for caregivers, especially those with complex clinical scenarios.
“one in four caregivers says it is very difficult to get affordable services in their loved one’s community that would help with their care (25%), and fewer than half of caregivers report their recipient has made plants for his or her future care (46%)”
These are just 3 stats I thought are essential for all caregivers to be aware of …
When you download load the report below you’ll get access to the AARP’s Caregiving in the U.S. 2015 Report findings that affect all caregivers in general…
But particularly vulnerable groups of caregivers who face high burden and complex care situations, many times resulting in higher strain and stress caregiving.
As a caregiver… data, information, knowledge and wisdom (…in that order) is what you need to not just cope…
But thrive in what could very well be the most selfless and loving act a human being can do for another: Caregiving.
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