Take Care as a Caregiver

In 2020, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) found 53 million adult Americans (or 1 in 5 people) are unpaid family caregivers. These caregivers grocery shop, manage medication and even live with the person they care for.

In many cases, informal caregivers must balance the needs of their elderly parents and children while also maintaining daily work and household responsibilities, which leaves little time to focus on personal well-being. In fact, the demographic who spends the most amount of time caregiving are Hispanic, serving an average of 26 hours per week.

As a result, caregivers often report higher stress levels and have a greater risk of obesity and chronic health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes. Around 61% of caregivers work and provide care, the majority of which work hourly jobs. Others worry about finances, as many caregivers have to quit their jobs or reduce work hours to help their loved ones.

The AARP reports 25% of caregivers say it is challenging to maintain their own healthcare, and 4 in 10 find their duties highly stressful. Many caregivers don't take the time to see their doctor, exercise, spend time with friends or even prepare nutritious meals because they don't feel they should spend time away from the loved one they care for. However, to provide the highest level of care, you must first care for yourself. Having trouble getting started? Try these tips:

• Be proactive about your health. Schedule a physical and plan to discuss caregiving and any emotional or physical strain you may be feeling. Also, set aside time for regular exercise. Even if you can only spare 10 minutes, physical activity is a great stress reliever.
• Banish guilt. Don't let feelings of inadequacy or feelings of not doing enough for your family cloud your thinking.
• Join a support group. Caregiver support groups offer a criticism-free environment to share feelings and glean advice from those facing similar situations.

The following resources provide valuable assistance to caregivers.

• Home health agencies, nurses and other medical professionals can assist caregivers with medication and chronic disease management. Usually reserved for those recovering from surgery or who have a serious medical condition, home health care requires a doctor's referral.
• Respite care organizations allow caregivers to schedule a few hours of "me" time or go to work without having to worry their loved one will need something during their absence. Adult daycare and in-home services, such as bathing, meal preparation and daytime companionship, are typical examples of respite care.
• The U.S. Administration on Aging's Eldercare Locator connects caregivers with local organizations that provide in-home assistance, as well as information about long-term care, health insurance, legal and financial matters, and Alzheimer's disease management. Call (800) 677-1116 or visit eldercare.gov for more information.

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