My neighbor, Leslie, is o
ne of those amazing women of the “sandwich” generation. She parents two young girls and her mother lives with her as well. According to the Pew Research Center, just over 1 of every 8 Americans aged 40 to 60 is both raising a child and caring for a parent. I would love to bring them all a bundle of flowers in gratitude!
Leslie and I found some time to chat the other day and the challenges of her particular situation came up. She spoke about the significant emotional cost associated with a being full-time caregiver and also mentioned the financial challenges she faces. Leslie then made a point that I felt was immensely valid! She wanted to know why she was able to check a box on her IRS tax form to identify her children as dependents but could not do the same for her mother. A few states do have programs to help financially support those people who care for their loved ones, after all, this service is helping to offset the burden of federal and state funded programs, i.e. Medicaid. Yet, these supportive programs for caregivers are still rare.
65 Million Unpaid Family Caregivers
I believe this conversation needs much more attention, so let’s put it on the table. The data shows the number of unpaid family caregivers is over 65 million and rising! And as AARP so eloquently states, “Family support is a key driver in remaining in one’s home and in the community, but it comes at substantial costs to the caregivers themselves, to their families, and to society. If family caregivers were no longer available, the economic cost to the U.S. health care and long-term services and supports (LTSS) systems would increase astronomically.”
How do we value the unpaid family caregivers in our communities?
As a caregiver, wouldn’t you like to be compensated for at a least part of the financial cost of this obligation?
[...] as the only option. This may mean the person needs care that could be met by a private agency, but due to high cost of ongoing care, many families are not able to choose this type of care. In addition many caregivers feel a great [...]
How can I Find out informatin about recieving a Caregiver’s Check ?? Who do I need to talk to or Call for this Information ?? I have been taking care of My Mom since July of 2009 to Present. She Has & is Suffering from a Bad Case of Psoriasis,Osteoarthritis,Rheumatiod arthritis,Osteoporosis,Diabetes & Tremors.In 2009 She was suffering for High Blood Pressure,Low Cholesterol Plus the things that are listed Above. She has to use a wheelchair to go in stores, to go to Doctors Appointments and whatever else She will need to do. Her legs get weak & She has falling about 3 or more times.I am a Full-Time Caregiver & I am Blessed to Know that My Mom is getting taken Care of. Please send the information to My E-mail Address or Call Me at 1-229-787-0479 & My E-mail Address is annsunshine2@aol.com
Sincerely,
Ann Lawson
contact your nearest department of social services for caregivers/provider/ a background check /fingerprinting are required. so best wishes,:) happy holidays
I have a somewhat different situation. Due to bad investments we don’t have the retirment money we expected. I am working 30 hours per week and taking care of my husband.
I could use help with keeping up the house, yard and laundry. Our plan was to sell our house and move into something smaller. Our home is now worth a lot less that what we paid. We have no equity something that has never occurred in our lifetime. We had planned to use that equity to purchase a smaller place or condo. We have a pretty good income with our social security and my paycheck but it is eaten up with all types of insurance. Our co-pay for Medicare Part D just reached $300 per month.
what happens when I can no longer work?
As a caregiver for my mother,I can’t begin to tell you of the experiences that I have endured in d care 24/7 and I was virtually the only one to care for her. Recently,I discovered that the state od MD. has an innovative program for seniors who are disabled and they cetify and register others to come in to help you care for your loved ones.You must contract with them as you would any other hireling but the state both trains and certifies the workers and they have been a God’s sent gift for their loveing care,compassion, and time spent in taking care of your loved one’s needs while giving you some precious time to yourself to take care if those many things that you must neglect in order to care for your loved one.In addition,there is a great savings of money spent on the care which can be extraordinarily expensive.You also have the opportunity to keep your loved one at home where you can monitor the care they are receiving.There are many beneficial reaons for using this option but the salvation of your sanity andhealth would be payment enough for the money that you would have to spend.I hope this suggestion is of some use to you.Please feel free to email me back if you feel that I can be of any assistance.I have been there so I know how you are suffering and drowing in guilt and frustration.This may not solve all problems but it will help to take the edge off.May God’s richest blessings shine on you and yours.My prayers are with you.