BALANCING LIFE’S ISSUES, INC. Care Giving

Statistics 65 million or 29% of US population provide for a chronologically ill, disabled person spending at least 20 hours per week Source: National alliance for care giving Nov Value of the services family care giving provide for "free" when care giving is 375 billion. Twice as much as is actually spent on home care and nursing Source: Economic survey at the economic downturn and it's impact on family care giving March % of care recipients live in their own home 29% in the family’s home 4% in nursing homes Source: AARP. Nov 2009

Objectives 1) Self care 2) Assess your family needs 3) Keep balance in your life 4) Common emotions 5) Special situations 6) Resources

Self Care You come first Know what you can and can not do Watch your sleep, nutrition, exercise -it won't help if you (caregiver) get sick How many hours are you spending taking care of others? How many are you spending taking care of you?

Assess Your Family Needs Use a check list to stay organized including Home safety Cooking Cleaning the house Hygiene issues Food Medications Doctors

Balance in Your Life Hold family meetings Skype is great tool to stay in touch Include relatives that are out of town - They can make phone calls to insurance companies, doctors Go away for a vacation Have family and friends pitch in

Common Emotions - Feelings Exhaustion/burnout Isolation Fear Anger Relentless day in and day out sadness Jealousy Resentment

Special Situations Alzheimers/dementia Cancer Blindness Care giving for a family member that we were not fond of or close to.

Resources Familycaregiving.com