Statistics indicate that many of us will be caregivers

By Laura J. Philbrook

Newscaster Tom Brokow says there are 44 million caregivers in the United States.  Two-thirds are women. Yes, 29 million women in our country are caregivers beyond their normal family and career responsibilities.

Up to one-fourth of all employees are caregivers for aging parents, but they may be an invisible group. Many of their own employers are not even aware of their situation. They should be because caregiving responsibilities can compromise the quality and productivity of work. It can result in excessive absenteeism and decreased concentration on the job – all from employees with excellent work records and high standards. Something has to give when responsibilities and caregiving mount up.

Can you imagine the response of your company if one-fourth of the workforce came down with a common illness and couldn’t work? The response would probably be public and dramatic. Yet America’s caregivers are out there feeling alone with the burden... 44 million of them!

Adult caregivers of aging parents report that their social life is impacted, too. They rarely accept social invitations and have to refuse out-of-town family events or social occasions because they have no one to care for their parent(s).

At an age when life is supposed to demand less, America’s caregivers are discovering that their time and energy are being consumed by the needs of others. Don’t forget they may also be helping adult children get started in their lives, too. Stir in a little guilt over personal feelings of exhaustion or frustration and you have a potent brew.

Long-term care placement can be expensive and counter to the wishes of a senior who just wants to remain at home. Adult day programs can provide an answer, but unfortunately, are often called the profession’s “best kept secret.”

Deikel Family AlterCare is a program of Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis and has operated for  22 years as an alternative to long term-care placement and a supplement to home health care.

The program is a medical model offering medication monitoring and administration by a registered nurse and assistance with personal cares, including grooming and bathing. Physical, speech and occupational therapy programs are provided. Participants enjoy music and art and even pet visits throughout the day.

AlterCare is especially sensitive to the needs of the participants and caters to the schedules of  working caregivers.  It is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.  

A hot, kosher lunch, continental breakfast and snacks are included in the daily rate. Family members provide transportation to and from the center or the staff can help you with certification and scheduling with Metro Mobility.

Funding may be provided from Hennepin County, the Veterans’ Administration or other government agencies based on eligibility. AlterCare can assist you in identifying funding sources.

A last-minute invitation to a concert? An invitation to an out-of-town, weekend wedding? You can rely on safe, comfortable accommodations for your parent or family member through the Overnight Respite Program, available for enrolled program participants. A cozy, comfortable bedroom is located at the center and an awake staff member is on duty during the night. Reservations are preferred but last-minute requests can be accepted if staff is available.

A support group for caregivers meets monthly. Just knowing that you are not alone with your concerns and responsibilities can often ease the burden of caregiving. Hearing suggestions and challenges from others can help you be a better caregiver and feel better about yourself, too.

Adult day services and overnight respite care will not solve the caregiving dilemma faced by millions of Americans, but it can ease the stress for them. Knowing that a parent or family member is safe and happy during the day can allow many to remain in residential settings for longer. When long-term placement is not the answer, try adult day service. There is help for you and your family. It is easier when you are “sharing the caring.”

Call Deikel Family AlterCare at 952-922-1147 and staff will be happy to answer questions or provide other information that might help in your situation. Remember that if you’re not a caregiver now, chances are very good that you will become one! After all, 44 million Americans are. Tom Brokaw says so.

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Laura J. Philbrook, RNC, is Supervisor of Deikel Family AlterCare.