November is National Family Caregivers Month, recognizing the 65 million family caregivers who play a role in ensuring their elderly parents have quality care.
Among these caregivers are about 52 million baby boomers who assist their parents, either by caring for them in their home or managing their affairs.
While helping elderly parents is rewarding, it also has challenges.
Many baby boomers are making considerable sacrifices to care for aging parents, a Humana-commissioned study showed:
- 63 percent surveyed have devoted less time to hobbies and personal interests.
- 46 percent have given up social activities.
- 43 percent have skipped a vacation.
- 36 percent have dipped into personal savings.
Providing care is strenuous, both physically and emotionally. Caring for an Alzheimer’s patient can shorten a person’s life by four to eight years, a study published in the Journal of Immunology reports.
In addition, more than 40 percent of these caregivers report high levels of emotional stress, according to a 2007 report by the Alzheimer’s Association.
“High stress levels have been shown to lower resistance to disease, lead to fatigue, depression, and even ‘burnout,’ she said.
Strategies Johnson recommends to caregivers to protect their health, keep stress levels down, and avoid burnout are:
- Attend a support group to receive feedback and coping strategies.
- Vary the focus of caregiving responsibilities if possible. For example, rotate responsibilities with family members.
- Exercise daily and maintain a healthy diet.
- Establish “quiet time” for meditation.
- Stay involved in hobbies.
For more information on National Family Caregivers Month, see the website of the National Family Caregivers Association.
