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Informal
Caregiving
Caregiving is defined as the act of providing assistance to
someone who is ill or frail. The vast majority of care is
provided by families, who offer unpaid assistance for the
physical and emotional needs of a loved one, ranging from
partial assistance to 24 hour care.
Most family members choose to proved care positively and
willingly. The bulk of informal care is provided by women,
nearly three out of four informal caregivers are females.
The average age is 57, with many being older adults themselves.
Many times an adult child will balance work and family responsibilities,
while providing care of an older adult. Often a spouse provides
care for their loved one while struggling with their own chronic
conditions.
As a disability increases there is a progression from sporadic
or occasional chores to around-the-clock care. For 30% - 40%
of those providing care, the caregiving is equivalent to a
full time job. Caregiving can be considered to be a career
with different stages, transitions and stresses. Caregivers
are in a constant state of change.
Many different community services are available for older
adults. Not all services are available in every community.
These services include:
- Home health aides to assist with personal care, meal preparation,
light housekeeping and other light assistance, under the
supervision of a licensed nurse
- Homemaker service or chore services which provides assistance
with daily household activities like laundry, shopping,
errands, driving and companionship
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapies provided
in the home by a licensed nurse or trained specialist
- Adult day care
- Health education and wellness programs (Senior Health
Center SOS Series)
- Caregiver support or training programs (American Red Cross
Caregiver Training Program, Schmieding Center Training Program)
- Hospice Care
- Respite Care
- Home-delivered meals, often called Meals on Wheels
- Congregate dining programs, nutritious meals in group
settings
- Companion services
- Senior Companions Program
- Telephone reassurance programs
- Transportation services
- Senior centers
- Information and referral programs
- Financial Counseling Programs
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