INFORMAL CAREGIVERS

INFORMAL CAREGIVERS

Care giving can be very hectic and demanding. In case of a fit spouse or a child living with the disabled person at home, care giving can be a 24 hour, 7 day a week commitment. But even for the caregiver not living in the home, looking after a loved-one or friend can take all of the caregiver's free time.

Surveys and studies over and over again show that depression is a main problem with around the clock informal caregivers. This is in general brought on by strain and exhaustion as well as social separation from family and friends. If allowed to go on too long, the caregiver can sometimes break down and may end up needing long-term care as well.

A usual pattern may give details as follows:

- 1 to 18 months : The caregiver is certain, has everything under control and is coping well. Other friends and family are supportive.

- 20 to 36 months : the caregiver is taking medication to sleep and control mood swings. Outside help dwindles away and except for trips to the store or doctor, the caregiver has detached most social contacts. The caregiver feels alone and helpless.

- 38 to 50 months : Besides needing tranquilizers or antidepressants, the caregiver's physical health is beginning to decline. Lack of focus and complete fatigue cloud judgment and the caregiver is frequently unable to make rational decisions or ask for help. It is often at this stage that family or friends intervene and find other solutions for care. This may consist of respite care, hiring home health aides or putting the disabled in a facility. Without intervention, the caregiver may become a candidate for long-term care as well.

Since most people go into informal care giving without training or counseling they often aren't aware of the possible outcome described above. As a result it is very essential to receive counseling and to formulate a plan of action prior to making a care giving commitment. In 1965, Congress passed the Older Americans Act which gives assistance and funding to the States to give help to caregivers. All states offer programs at no cost or very low cost which may take account of: counseling, caregiver training, respite care, adult day care, meals, support groups and much more. It is crucial for the health and long life of all care givers to make use of these services.

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