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Several measures can be taken to alleviate the stress associated with caring for a loved one, including:
- Setting and adhering to limits on caregiving responsibilities.
- Allocating specific hours or days off each week for personal time.
- Joining a support group comprised of individuals facing similar caregiving challenges.
- Seeking assistance from friends and family, even if for a few hours.
- Exploring assistance programs that may cover professional caregiving expenses.
- Maintaining a realistic outlook and considering long-term care options as needed.
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Almost one in five unpaid caregivers admit to having at least one physically unhealthy day during the most recent month while about 15 percent of caregivers experience at least one mentally unhealthy day each month, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Moreover, a recent poll found that 13 percent of caregivers had to quit their job to provide that care because of caregiver shortages and almost one in four cut their work hours.
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If your loved one’s condition deteriorates, you may need decision-making authority. To accomplish this, you may need to establish a Financial Power of Attorney as well as a Healthcare Power of Attorney. Eventually, you may need to petition for guardianship over your loved one.
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Maybe. The Family Caregiver Program, Administered by Indiana’s Division of Aging, can provide services to individuals caring for loved ones 60 years of age and older or to older relatives (not parents) age 55 and older caring for a child or older relatives (including parents) age 55 and older caring for an individual with a disability between the ages of 18 and 59. Additionally, the program can support adult family members or other informal caregivers age 18 and older providing care to individuals of any age with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.
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For many caregivers facing the challenge of managing a job and/or family in one location while caring for a loved one in another, remote caregiving is feasible but demands meticulous planning and a support team. Understanding the specific care needs and conducting thorough research when selecting local caregivers are essential steps. Regular follow-up on the quality of care is also crucial.
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Over 11 million people are caring for individuals grappling with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related conditions. In 2022, unpaid caregivers provided an estimated 18 billion hours of care to Alzheimer’s patients valued at $339.5 billion.
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While pinpointing the precise figure proves challenging, experts suggest that upwards of 40 million individuals presently offer unpaid care in the U.S., with over 80 percent of these caregivers caring for individuals aged 50 and above.
Contact Us
If you have additional questions, contact an experienced Indianapolis, Indiana estate planning attorney at Frank & Kraft. by calling (317) 684-1100 to schedule your appointment today.
