Florida Elder Law Blog - A blog by Elder Law Associates, South Florida's premier elder law attorneys, who handle elder law, medicaid planning, guardianships and much, much more.
Debbie turned the ringing alarm off. It was 6:00AM and time to get
herself ready for the day. Her son would be there soon to help her
shower and dress her husband Jim. Her son came every day before work to
help because Debbie, at 75 years old and suffering with arthritis,
could not lift Jim out of bed or help him to the shower. This has been
the daily routine since Jim’s stroke a year ago. When her son leaves for
work, Debbie spends the day caring for Jim’s needs.
President Barack Obama, in his
Presidential Proclamation of National Family Caregivers Month -2011 states:
“Across our country, millions of family members,
neighbors, and friends provide care and support for their loved ones
during times of need. With profound compassion and selflessness, these
caregivers sustain American men, women, and children at their most
vulnerable moments, and through their devoted acts, they exemplify the
best of the American spirit.”
Statistics from the
Administration On Aging
show that the population 65 and older is expected to grow from its
current 13% to 19% of the total population by 2030. With the older
population increasing, the need for elder caregiving will continue to
increase. Family caregivers play a vital role in filling these
caregiving needs. Who better than family can understand the needs and
ensure the best care of their loved ones.
Caregiving can be very stressful and demanding. In the
case of a healthy spouse or a child living with the disabled person at
home, caregiving can be a 24 hour, 7 day a week commitment. But even
for the caregiver not living in the home, looking after a loved one or
friend can consume all of the caregiver's free time.
Surveys and studies consistently show that depression is a major
problem with full-time informal caregivers. This is typically brought on
by stress and fatigue as well as social isolation from family and
friends. If allowed to go on too long, the caregiver can sometimes break
down and may end up needing long term care as well.
A typical pattern may unfold as follows:
- 1 to 18 months--the caregiver is confident, has
everything under control and is coping well. Other friends and family
are lending support.
- 20 to 36 months--the caregiver is taking medication to
sleep and control mood swings. Outside help dwindles away and except
for trips to the store or doctor, the caregiver has severed most social
contacts. The caregiver feels alone and helpless.
- 38 to 50 months--Besides needing tranquilizers or
antidepressants, the caregiver's physical health is beginning to
deteriorate. Lack of focus and sheer fatigue cloud judgment and the
caregiver is often unable to make rational decisions or ask for help.
It is often at this stage that family or friends intercede and find
other solutions for care. This may include respite care, hiring home
health aides or putting the disabled care recipient in a facility.
Without intervention, the family caregiver may become a candidate for
long term care as well.
Since most family members go into informal caregiving
without training or counseling, they often aren't aware of the possible
outcome described above. It is therefore extremely important to seek
counseling and to formulate a plan of action prior to making a
caregiving commitment.
According to the National Care Planning Council:
" In 1965, Congress passed the Older Americans Act
which provides guidance and funding to the States to give help to
caregivers. All states offer programs at no cost or very low cost which
might include: counseling, caregiver training, respite care, adult day
care, meals, support groups and much, much more. It is vital for the
health and longevity of all caregivers to make use of these services."
(www.longtermcarelink.net)
In 1994 President Clinton proclaimed a week in November as National
Family Caregivers week to be observed with appropriate programs and
activities. It has since been changed to the whole month of November
with each President giving a yearly proclamation for its observance.
Government assistance is available all over the country. Area
Agencies on Aging and local senior centers give aid and support to
family caregivers. Numerous religious and community organizations also
lend their support.
This month of November 2011, as individuals, we can take note of
those around us, in our families and community, who are family
caregivers. A note of acknowledgement of their service, a gift of
thanks or even an offering of our time to give them a needed break
would let them know their service is recognized and appreciated.
Labels: Florida Elder Care, florida elder law, Florida Elder Law Attorney
