According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 9 million Americans age 65 and over needed long-term care in 2007, with that number expected to rise to around 12 million by the year 2020.
It’s easy to see why most of us think of long-term care as something needed by older people. But an accident or illness can strike at any age. Historically, the extended family group provided care when needed. But today’s families are smaller and often scattered across the country, adding an extra challenge to caring for an aging loved one. Despite these challenges, families and friends continue to provide a significant amount of long-term support and care.
According to a 2004 survey conducted by AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving, an estimated 44.4 million caregivers age 18 and older in the U.S. provide unpaid care to an adult family member or friend. Many of these caregivers are also juggling family responsibilities and work, with 59 percent of caregivers working either full-time or part-time. A recent study from AARP estimates that in 2006 alone, the value of unpaid care provided by friends and family was $350 billion.
It may or may not have crossed your mind that you may become a caregiver to a family member. Perhaps you have discussed changing needs with a loved one, have assumed more responsibilities for your aging parent or relative, or have even done some planning for the future. A more likely scenario is that an unexpected event—a visit to your loved one, or a call from a physician or neighbor—will alert you to the fact that assistance is needed.
The need for care may be related to a sudden event, such as a stroke, or to a gradual process, such as the onset of dementia. In either event, you may not be sure where to begin.
This article describes ways to assess when a loved one needs outside care. It covers developing a care plan, organizing important documents, and what you can do to provide support. The article also gives guidelines for providing home care for your loved one, finding and using services to assist older individuals, and options to consider when a person can no longer live at home. It emphasizes the importance of self-care for family caregivers and suggests ways that caregivers can take care of themselves.
