Why National Caregivers Day is an opportunity to address important issues

In looking over my past columns, I realize there is one particular topic that I address every year. 

It’s the celebration of National Caregivers Day, which occurs on the third Friday in February each year. It is dedicated to raising awareness of the important role of family caregivers, bringing caregiving to the attention of the community and employers and developing a strategy to support unpaid caregivers. It’s an opportunity to celebrate and honor those who care for loved ones.

Caregiving affects an increasing number of us. And many are currently feeling the impact or have felt the impact in the past. 

This is not only a local challenge, but also a national one. As a nation, we are facing a caregiver crisis, meaning we will not have enough caregivers to care for an aging population. The most significant factor in this shortage is our rapidly aging population, with most older adults wanting to age in place. This preference has increased the demand for in-home care. 

The cost of paid care has driven millions of families to provide that care and support themselves. For example, in California, the average hourly rate for a home-care aide is roughly $33 to $38 per hour, depending on the source. Twenty-four-hour care is about $25,000 month and even higher in the Los Angeles area. And according to Harvard’s Housing America’s Older Adults report, only 14 percent of adults age 75 and older who live alone can afford a daily home health aide visit.

So, what do we know about the subject? Take this brief quiz to find out.

1. One in four adults is a family caregiver.

True. Almost one quarter of American adults act as unpaid family caregivers. That represents a nearly 50 percent increase since 2015. 

2. The average age of a caregiver is 50 years.

True. And almost one third are part of the sandwich generation, supporting both children and adults. 

3. Most caregivers receive training when performing complex medical tasks such as managing equipment or giving injections.

False. Many caregivers do perform complex medical tasks, yet only a little over 20 percent receive any training.

4. Long-term caregivers are at risk for their own physical and mental health.

True. About one in five report their health as fair or poor. They often suffer from high rates of depression, anxiety, a weakened immune system and chronic disease such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes or arthritis. 

5. Most family caregivers can manage the financial strain.

False. Many cannot. Over one-third have stopped saving, while others have used up their savings and used retirement or education accounts. 

6. Roughly one-fourth of unpaid caregivers are not working. 

False. Seventy percent are employed while providing care. More than half go late to work, leave early and take time off. Others go from full-time to part-time work or reduce their hours. Roughly 10 percent give up their work entirely.

Finally, here are some thoughts from a care recipient and his family caregiver I recently spoke with.

A highly independent 85-year-old ex-Marine has diminishing vision. His wife is becoming his care provider.

I asked him, “How do you feel about that?”

He quickly replied, “Isn’t that just part of being married? My feeling is to let me do what I can do myself. And ‘What do I really want? Just to be with her.’” 

So I asked his wife, “What do you want for your husband?”

“To hear him sing in the shower and be as healthy as he can be because I love him,” she said. “It’s a tough balance not to take away that which he can do for himself. I don’t do well when I am overtired.”

To seek help, she went looking for a “nonna,” the Italian word for grandmother. She found one and hired her! Not all family caregivers are that fortunate in caring for a loved one. Again, affordability often is the defining factor.

Yet each of us can be a resource and support to a caregiver. Consider delivering a meal or two, offering some respite time, making a phone call or stopping by for a visit. 

Let’s all celebrate Caregivers Day – every day – and honor the unsung heroes: our family caregivers.

Helen Dennis is a nationally recognized leader on issues of aging and the new retirement with academic, corporate and nonprofit experience. Contact Helen with your questions and comments at Helendenn@gmail.com.  Visit Helen at HelenMdennis.com and follow her on facebook.com/SuccessfulAgingCommunity