According to to a 2020 National Alliance for Caregiving/AARP report, a startling one in five Americans provides unpaid care to a family member in their home. Is one of these altruistic (and exhausted) caregivers you?
Many people caring for seniors are themselves mature adults. They may have jobs and/or are raising children, meaning the added responsibilities can be a time burden as well as an emotional challenge.
An Array of Duties
Caregiving needs vary, based on the recipient’s cognitive, medical and physical needs. Responsibilities typically include providing one or more of the following:
· Companionship: playing games, eating together, watching TV and other convivial activities.
· Daily needs: from shopping and housekeeping to paying bills, transporting and more.
· Personal and health care: as simple but important as managing medications and washing someone’s hair to more intensive bathing, monitoring vitals and changing catheter bags.
From a Few Hours to 24/7
Caregiving might entail a few hours a week – especially if the individual is elderly but not ill or incapacitated – to duties approximating a full-time job, or even around-the-clock care. Technology in the form of medical apps and home safety devices can help. Support groups enable sharing of information and resources.
But let’s be clear: just as getting older is not for sissies, as the saying goes, neither is caregiving. We at Greenwald & Gerke have been in your shoes and we know: it’s tough!
How Tough?
The stress and strain of unpaid caregiving can impact the physical and mental health of caregivers. Depending upon your situation, you might be able to find an adult day program, respite volunteer or enlist the aid of other family members to ease the burden.
As Senior Real Estate Specialists, we can help you research viable options such as selling the family home and using the proceeds to transition your loved one to a residential community offering levels of care.
Our concluding advice: Stay strong!
Dear Caregiver: We Care About You!
Your Greenwald & Gerke Real Estate team is here for you and your loved ones. To tap into our expertise and network of professionals, call us at (844) 782-9674 for a complimentary initial consultation.
