November 3, 2015

November is National Family Caregivers Month

Family caregivers are the foundation of long term care in the US. Four in 10 adults are now family caregivers and most of them willingly take on this responsibility for their loved one. However, studies have shown that these informal caregivers are not prepared for the vast array of tasks they are expected to provide at home and often this role comes with a price that can negatively impact them financially, physically and emotionally.

Recently it was estimated that family caregivers of adults with chronic or disabling conditions are providing more than 40 billion hours of unpaid care with an economic value of $450 billion. This number is more than twice spent on homecare and nursing home services combined.

Most family caregivers also work outside the home and are using all or most of their own savings to care for their aging loved one. Some have given up work entirely or made sacrifices such as frequent tardiness or missed hours due to medical appointments. With depleted savings, many are less able to hire assistance.   A study by MetLife reports American businesses can lose as much as $34 billion each year due to employees’ need to care for their loved one. In addition, stress has been shown to greatly impact a family caregiver’s immune system causing sickness, malnutrition and depression. A family caregiver will often ignore their own needs, putting their loved one ahead of themselves.

The UAMS Schmieding Home Caregiver Training program in Jonesboro offers FREE Family Caregiver Workshops to provide support for better outcomes for both the caregiver and care recipient. In recognition of family caregiver month during November, a Dementia skills workshop will be held on November 4 & 5 from 12:00 to 4:00pm each day.

This special workshop is designed to increase knowledge of Dementia and introduce participants to basic caregiving skills and how to care for yourself. Day 1 will be the customary skills workshop with Day 2 featuring “care for the caregiver” activities and guest speakers. Attendance is recommended for both days, but not required and registration is necessary by calling 870-207-7600.