Thursday, June 21, 2012

The Importance of National Family Caregiver Month for Senior Care ...

Since the 1997 presidential proclamation, November has been recognized as -?National Family Caregiver Month-?. Each November, families across the nation honor more than 65 million senior care givers in the United States who tirelessly provide care, comfort, and love for 100 million elderly loved ones in need-?that?s one in five adults providing care for their elderly friends, family, and loved ones.Senior care organizations recognize the love and hard work that goes into caregiving, and offer help and support for family caregivers providing daily senior care.

One recent National Family Caregiver Association survey revealed that the ratio of male/female caregivers has changed; senior care giving used to be a woman?s issue, with an estimated 75% of family care provided by women. Recently, this percentage appears to be much more evenly split, with 55% of senior care givers female and 45% male. The typical caregiver (recognized by the NFCA) is a middle aged daughter caring for an elderly parent, grandparent, or loved one while juggling a career and family of her own. Family caregivers are responsible for the majority of long-term elder care in the United States. 80% of senior caregivers report emotional strain. 60% of senior caregivers miss work, events, or other responsibilities caring for a loved one. 60% of senior caregivers report a financial strain. It?s estimated that American businesses lose approximately $35 billion each year due to missed work caused by employees caring for elderly loved ones. Family caregivers are the unsung heroes who dedicate their time, heart, and soul into caring for senior loved ones for no compensation.Family caregivers often lack the resources they need to help them best provide care for themselves, families, and loved ones.Caring for a loved one day in and day out can take its toll on an individual and their family, and this month recognizes all the hard work and time that goes into caring for elderly loved ones who wish to live at home where it?s familiar and comfortable. November is all about raising awareness of family caregiver issues, celebrating the dedication and effort of family senior caregivers, and increasing support for families. At one point in time or another, almost every individual will find themselves in a position of caring for another. Sometimes these family caregivers require a little extra help. Senior care providers can assist the adults and individuals, serving as a respite for weary family caregivers.They are dedicated to empowering family caregivers and assisting family members keep their senior loved ones independent for as long as possible by relieving the burden from their family, and offering services such as meal preparation, housekeeping, daily medication reminders, errands, shopping, and hygiene services. Take the time to assess the type, frequency, and location of your needs, discover what an elder care program can do for you and your loved one.Anticipating regular relief from elder care services can be lifesaving; share the responsibility of care giving with another individual and get help and support for yourself. Erica Ronchetti is a freelance writer for Visiting Angels, the nation?s leading, network of non-medical, private duty home care agencies providing senior care, elder care, personal care, respite care and companion care to help the elderly and adults continue to live in their homes across America. Visit the Visiting Angels website to find out more information on elder care programs.

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