Caregiving Through the Ages: Strategies, Resources, and Hope Melanie M. Keller, MBA IPMA-HR Montgomery County Past-President

Caregiving “Caregiving is the act of providing unpaid assistance and support to family members or acquaintances who have physical, psychological, or developmental needs. Caring for others generally takes on three forms: instrumental, emotional, or informational.” -Work and Family Researchers Network.

Caregiving Stats More than 65 million people serve as caregivers today in America. 66% of caregivers identify as female About 50% of caregivers live more than 11 hours from their loved one Average age of caregiver’s = 50 Average age of recipient = 77 On average caregivers report spending 20-40 hours per week giving care

Types of Caregiving Instrumental Caregiving – the act of doing tasks for an infant, child, disabled or elderly person (bathing, feeding, shopping, cleaning, bills, etc.) Emotional Caregiving – listening, counseling, or companionship Informational Caregiving – learning how to alter their environment; providing information or advice -Work and Family Researchers Network

Parenting vs. Caregiving Parenting - the process of taking care of children until they are old enough to take care of themselves : the things that parents do to raise a child (Merriam-Webster) Different, but share some similarities A parent can become a caregiver at different times for their child(ren)

Parenting an Infant

Parenting a Toddler

Parenting a Child (5-12)

Parenting a Teenager (13-17)

Parenting a Young Adult (17-20+)

Pet Care

Grandparenting

Sick and Disabled Caregiving

Eldercaregiving

Grief and Loss

My Caregiving Journey

Parenting

Parenting

Parenting Transitions

Eldercare Rest in Peace Yvonne Thomas-Lutz

Grief and Loss

Addiction

Miracles

Par-Aunting

Parenting Transitions

Caregiving

Caregiving Strategies

Strategies Step 1: Start the Conversation Step 2: Form Your Team “Caregiving. It is a marathon, not a sprint.” - AARP Strategies Step 1: Start the Conversation Step 2: Form Your Team Step 3: Make a Plan Step 4: Find Support Step 5: Care for Yourself AARP Caregivers Guide (English/Spanish): http://www.aarp.org/home-family/caregiving/prepare-to-care-planning- guide.html?cmp=RDRCT-PREPR2CR_JUL11_012

Strategies – Long Distance Most caregivers live more than 11 hours from their loved one and tend to: Hire help Take more time off from work (often unpaid) Pay for travel

Strategies – Long Distance Start the discussion (finances) Request access to information Doctors, hospitals, insurance companies Banks, utilities, etc. Address legal issues Know emergency basics Spare keys Alarms Neighbor’s phone numbers

Strategies – Long Distance Create your team (outreach, determine roles, keep a roster) Find a local coordinator Stay in the loop Technology (e-mail groups, video chat) Be aware of doctor’s orders Medication management Find easy ways to coordinate - meal sign-ups

Strategies – Long Distance Make the most of visits Have fun – make memories Don’t “rush” your time Take photos Look for signs of abuse Note where new help is needed Meet new services providers and check-in

Strategies – Taking Care of You Caregiver’s Assessment http://www.aarp.org/home- family/caregiving/?intcmp=FTR-LINKS-CRGVNG- CRC-EWHERE

Specialized Care Each type of caregiving is different High-Risk Pregnancy Alzheimer’s and Dementia Cancer Aging Grief and Loss Temporary Disability Permanent Disability

Resources AARP – Caregiving Caregiving.com http://www.aarp.org/home- family/caregiving/?intcmp=FTR-LINKS-CRGVNG- CRC-EWHERE Caregiving.com https://www.caregiving.com/ Website with blogs, podcasts, videos, articles and resources.

Resources Family Caregiving Alliance National Caregivers Library https://www.caregiver.org/ National Center on Caregiving, resources, events, blogs and information. National Caregivers Library http://www.caregiverslibrary.org Caregiving resources, tools, information, and guides.

Resources National Alliance for Caregivers National Institute on Aging http://www.caregiving.org/ Non-profit that advances family caregiving through research, innovation, and advocacy National Institute on Aging https://www.nia.nih.gov/ Federal agency that conducts research on aging and provides information about aging and advances in research to the public, healthcare providers

The HR Professional Inquire “I’ve noticed…” or “Is everything OK? Is there anything you want to share?” Listen to gain perspective Find the words to use to console or show compassion Know procedures (performance, leave, conduct, etc.) Offer resources (EAP, FMLA or leave programs, etc.

The HR Professional Offer flexibilities (flexible hours or schedules, temporary telework, duty reduction, etc. Document conversation and follow-up with an e- mail or other appropriate form Check-in Frequently Set clear boundaries and expectations

Caregiving and You What resources do I need to access as a caregiver now? What kind of caregiving roles may I play in the future? Do I need to have discussions with my family on caregiving topics? Who is my support network? How can I take care of myself better? As an HR professional – am I adequately informed and prepared?

Hope