A shortage of direct care workers, or professional caregivers, has impacted people with disabilities for years, and the trend keeps getting worse. Low pay, poor opportunities for advancement, demanding working conditions, and more mean that direct care is less competitive for new job seekers while the need for such workers continues to grow.
More than 53 million Americans provide unpaid caregiving for a family member or friend, with these “informal” caregivers filling critical roles that make independent living possible for people with disabilities and chronic health conditions. However, family caregiving can take a financial, emotional, and physical toll on those performing the unpaid work.
The CDC has even identified our nation’s reliance upon family caregivers as a public health issue. With no easy solution in sight for the caregiving crisis, What can family caregivers do to care for themselves while they support their loved one? Below, we explore five opportunities to help family caregivers build sustainable and strong caregiving relationships.
Determine Whether Payment is Possible
In some cases, family caregivers can receive financial compensation for their caregiving. Medicaid’s Self-Directed Services program, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Veteran-Directed Care program, certain Home and Community-Based Services programs, and many long-term care insurance plans offer stipends to friends and family members providing necessary care. Some caregivers’ employers may offer paid time off for family caregiving as well.
Make a Plan for Respite Care
Every caregiver needs a break sometime. Creating a respite care plan helps caregivers build in time on a regular basis to take a break from caregiving and pass their responsibilities on to a trustworthy provider. The AARP outlines the process for creating a plan, including identifying what you and your loved one need and who could potentially provide support. Professional respite care resources are available through the Senior Corps and local Area Agency on Aging,Elder Helpers.
Find Peer Support
Up to 40% of informal caregivers report that caregiving makes them feel alone, yet there are many others experiencing the same scenarios. Connecting with peers can help you discuss challenges, identify coping strategies, and feel more like part of a community, whether it is in person or virtual. Your local Center for Independent Living can connect you with caregiving support groups, the Area Agency on Aging can provide assistance, or even nonprofit or religious groups like Courage to Caregivers that link volunteer peer mentors with caregivers.
Ask for help!
The digital age has brought a wealth of apps that make it easier for caregivers to communicate their needs and get other friends and family members on board to help. Whether you need alternative transportation to a medical appointment or would love a friend to drop off dinner a few days per month, apps like Carely, Caring Village, and LotsaHands provide tools to help caregivers coordinate caregiving responsibilities among family and friends.
Pay Attention to your Mental Health
Stress and burnout is an unfortunately common feature of caregiving, and up to 4 in 10 caregivers report that they “never relax.” Yet, one survey revealed that more than half of caregivers polled had experienced suicidal ideation during the COVID pandemic. Caregiving while experiencing this level of mental anguish is dangerous for both the caregiver and the patient. In cases like this, finding an alternate source of care at least part of the time is necessary. Individuals in crisis can call 988 for 24/7 mental health support. In addition, the Caregiver Action Network can provide a listening ear plus resources and assistance for family caregivers.
Family caregivers are critical resources in the quest to promote independence and autonomy among people with disabilities, and they deserve all the support our nation can offer. As organizations like MiSILC advocate for formal and informal caregivers at the highest levels, nonprofits and community resources can provide the services necessary for effective, sustainable caregiving. Learn more about our work at MiSILC.org.