Caregivers

Community Resources for Family Caregivers. In Western North Carolina, we find ourselves in an area that leads the nation as a retirement community with a substantial population of adults 65 years or older. And because of that fact, our area is rich with resources to assist the aging sector. more…

Who are caregivers?

Many caregivers don’t really call themselves that. They are husbands, daughters, nieces or neighbors just helping out. Caregiving might start out informally … an aunt is ill and the niece offers to pick up a few groceries and prepare a meal. Before long, the sick aunt is requiring more and more help. The niece begins assuming more responsibilities so the aunt can remain in her home: there is laundry to be done, prescriptions to be picked up, bills to be paid, etc.

  • Over 50 million people provide care for a chronically ill or disabled family member or friend each year (National Family Caregivers Assn.)
  • One in four households has someone involved in caring for a relative or friend over 50 years old.
  • 64% of caregivers work either full or part time.
  • Women are 75% of caregivers
  • Average age of caregivers: 35-64.
  • NC has about 1.7 million adult caregivers (more than 28% of the population).

Caring for the Caregiver*

  1. It is the job of the caregiver to take care of his/her personal health.
  2. Decisions are neither right nor wrong; they are the best we can do at a certain point in time.
  3. Love is the foundation of caregiving. Love is non-judgemental and it strikes a balance with the needs of the caregiver and the care-receiver.
  4. Without a balance of needs, the caregiver can become ill. Who will then take care of the care-receiver?
  5. Information reduces stress and assists in making informed choices.
  6. Support from other caregivers is vital to knowing you are not alone.
  7. Explore all available options for providing care:
    a. Family as a resource
    b. In-home care
    c. Spiritual family
    d. Agencies, i.e., Family Caregiver Support Program or Alzheimer’s Association or the Council on Aging
    e. Out-of-home care: adult day programs, short-term facility respite care, long-term care
    f. Caregiver wellness programs or other support programs.

* Excerpted from Park Ridge Hospital Hope Behavioral Health Services.