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P.O. Box 7129
Boise, ID 83707
208.334.8005
Fax: 208.334.8563
BPA offers tips on caring for the elderly
As the nation’s population continues to “gray,” with better health care options and longer life expectations, many younger individuals assume responsibility for the elderly care of parents, family members and friends. The demands can be both rewarding and very challenging; care giving is integrated with an already full schedule of careers, family and personal pursuits.
Business Psychology Associates, which serves as the state’s employee assistance provider, offers suggestions about how to cope with the demands of caring for the elderly:
“Many
people today are caring for an elderly parent or friend,” according
to BPA. “While a necessary and often rewarding job, it is difficult
to take care of an aging relative in addition to of all your other responsibilities.
Fortunately, there is a growing understanding among Americans of the
time and effort involved in elder care.”
Consider:
-
The average U.S. life expectancy in 1930 was 61. Today, it is almost 76, and by 2050 it will be 82.
-
Today, there are about 3.6 million Americans over the age of 85; by 2040 there will be 13.8 million.
-
Because of advances in medicine, more people survive severe crises such as heart attacks, and live longer with chronic illnesses such as diabetes.
In addition, because of the restructuring of the health care system, elders are leaving hospitals sooner than they used to. Often they are not entirely well, and so the burden of additional nursing falls on the family. Understanding the demands that will be placed on you, and developing a plan to deal with them will make care giving much easier.
Professional studies have shown that emotional strain or depression is a common occurrence among people caring for an aging relative at home.
First,
it is always hard to see someone who once took care of you in needy
condition.
Second, caring for an aging relative on top of your other responsibilities
often leaves little time for social and personal activities.
Unlike childcare, there are few social networks for those who provide eldercare. And third, for many families it is a financial burden.
However, there are ways to manage the stress you might feel…
Published 7-6-07