Caregiving A Survival Guide
It Happened at Midnight…
Baby Boomers
Kathleen Casey-Kirschling
January 2011 1 st Baby Boomer turned 65 Every 8 seconds 10,000 by end of day 70,000 by end of week Quarter Million by the 31st
Boomers continue turning 65 at this rate for… …the next 18 years!
December 31, 2029 Over 70 Million Senior Boomers!
Average Life Span
Let’s take a trip back in time…
First US Census (1790) half of American population was under age 16half of American population was under age 16 less than 2% of population was 65 or olderless than 2% of population was 65 or older
FACT: Of all the people who have ever lived To be 65 or older… ….half are alive today!
Age Wave Americans 85 and older: 2000 – 4 million 2050 – 31 million (mostly female)
Declining Sex Ratio in a Woman’s World
Aging America: Then and Now Fastest growing age – Teens Fastest growing age – 85+ High Mortality / High Fertility Low Mortality / Low Fertility Acute Conditions Dominate Chronic Conditions Predominate Leading Deaths - Infection Leading Deaths – Cancer/CAD
Huge Numbers
Demographic “Perfect Storm”
The “Boom” Impact
NOTE: Aging is NOT a disease.
Conditions of Aging Heart DiseaseHeart Disease Non Alz. DementiasNon Alz. Dementias Macular DegenerationMacular Degeneration Type II DiabetesType II Diabetes CHFCHF Vascular DiseaseVascular Disease Many CancersMany Cancers
Medical Longevity is advancing faster than our ability to catch up with the diseases of aging.
Let’s Consider Just One Disease of Aging - Dementia
What is Dementia? Loss of memory and other intellectual abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life.
Dementia is NOT a normal part of aging!
Alzheimer’s is One of Many Types of Dementia, but…. …It is the Most Common
Facts about Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s Disease
“I’ve lost myself” Auguste Deter
Not a “New” Disease So why are we seeing more and more of it?
Change in Causes of Death
The Cost
20Trillion Dollars! Price Tag of AD by 2050:
Save a Billion Dollars per Day… 55 Years!
Paradox of US Medicine More Dollars = Better Care Where is Money Better Spent?
Where Should We Invest?
If we could delay Alzheimer’s Disease by 5 years…. …half of all nursing home bed’s in America would be empty!
Who Will Provide Needed Support for all these individuals?
Caregiver
Caregiver “Informal” - unpaid (family/friends) “Formal” – volunteer or paid By 2020, caregivers will number 80 million
Caregiver Profile 75% are female 51% over 50 years old 37% are sole providers 57% are adult children 20% are spouses
Caregiver Stress Up to 60% Depression Increased Illness Family Stress Workplace Issues Guilt
Do You?
Modified Caregiver Stress Index (CSI)
Where will all these Aging Boomers Live?
Other Social Issues New Perspective on Work and RetirementNew Perspective on Work and Retirement Gender DisparityGender Disparity
Can We Still Count on Retiring at 65?
August 14, 1935
Tips to Survive
Tips to Thrive!
Some Survivor Ground Rules: Caregiving BEGINS with caring for YOU.***Caregiving BEGINS with caring for YOU.*** Some things you can control, some you can notSome things you can control, some you can not You are not alone unless you choose to beYou are not alone unless you choose to be There is no one right way and no way will be easyThere is no one right way and no way will be easy The journey can take you to wonderful placesThe journey can take you to wonderful places
Take Your Oxygen First
Self Sacrifice is NOT a virtue Self Care IS!
Good Nutrition*
Stay Active!
Seek to be Still
Respite – Get Away!
Get Your Sleep
Connect
Remember Your Other Loved Ones
Keep a Journal
Get Regular Checkups
Keep a Sense of Humor!
Adult Laughs 17 times/day Adult Laughs 17 times/day Child Laughs 300 times/day
Attitude
Acceptance
Live in the Moment!
Final Thoughts You’re not alone Learning Experience Opportunity Think about those who will take care of you