Up & Coming Weekly

18 UCW FEBRUARY 3-9, 2010 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM Every day, all across the country, people juggle the demands of their busy lives. Jobs, children and dozens of other activities all compete for time, and then mom, dad or another family member gets sick or otherwise needs help. These adult children — the ones who often end up as their caregivers — are referred to as the "sandwich genera- tion," caught between providing for their own young families and assisting their aging parents. They're already stretched to the limit, with one quarter of all U.S. adults currently caring for an aging par- ent, relative or spouse. What's more, a recent national survey indicated that 72 percent of these family caregivers have no help. And this strain shows no sign of easing. That's largely because of numbers; by the year 2030, 70 million Americans — 20 percent of the population — will be over the age of 65. North Carolina estimates are similar. The person responsible for providing informal care for family members is called — logically enough — the "family caregiver." In the majority of cases, this person is either the family's eldest daughter, or the grown child who lives the clos- est to the parent or relative needing care. Spouses also play an important role here; in fact, they comprise almost half of all family caregivers in the U.S. Caregiving can be one of the most stressful activities a person will encounter, especially when it involves intense caregiving for dementia or incontinence. In ad- dition, the basic stresses of family caregiving can be exacerbated when a caregiver has other responsibilities such as a job; children; a busy social life; some distance to travel to provide care for an aging parent or relative; and so on. So, it's not sur- prising to find that most family caregivers struggle to balance the task of caring for an aging parent or relative with other major life responsibilities. This often means that these caregivers have little time left to care for themselves — which can result in their experiencing high stress levels and resultant health problems. In fact, 55 percent of family caregivers appear to have average or significant levels of stress. The problem, of course, is that when caregivers neglect self care, they end up inca- pable of taking care of the senior loved ones who need their help in the first place. Many people don't know where to turn when the caregiving need arises, es- pecially those that are fairly new to the area. Fortunately, the Cumberland County area is blessed with some wonderful resources to help. We highly recommend the Cumberland County Coordinating Council on Older Adults (910) 484-0111, Mid-Carolina Area Agency on Aging (910) 323-4191, Alzheimers North Carolina Inc. (800) 228-8738 and the Alzheimer's Association (800) 272-3900. These or- ganizations will ask the right questions and provide families with options for help. They also provide information on training and support groups that are wonderful stress reducers. There are also many printed resources which answer common questions that family caregivers have about caring for their loved one. Recently published Stages of Senior Care, by Paul and Lori Hogan (co-founders of Home Instead Senior Care) is providing great insight into navigating the maze of options. There are also in-home care organizations that can provide much needed care for older adults, as well as much needed respite care (short term, temporary sup- port) for the family caregiver. These services can often respond very quickly by providing non-medical services such as companionship, meal preparation, medica- tion reminders, light housekeeping, personal care, errands, pet care, and so forth. Even a little help, a few hours per day, can markedly reduce the likelihood of being admitted to a hospital or nursing home and reduce the stresses associated with being a primary family caregiver. So, if you or your loved one needs help, don't despair. There are many resources eager to help. So, don't wait. Go make that call! A little help goes a long way. Family Caregiver – A Little Help Goes A Long Way by MARTHA OWEN & SUSAN GUY SENIOR CORNER SENIOR CORNER MARTHA OWEN & SUSAN GUY Contributing Writers COMMENTS? 484-6200 ext. 222 or editor@upandcomingweekly.com at at Holiday Inn Bordeaux Sunday Football Headquarters Big Games • Big Fun • Big 8' Screen Big Games • Big Fun • Big 8' Screen • Game Day Specials on Draft & Domestic Long Necks • Well Brands $2.00 • Buy One - Get One FREE Appetizers • Plus Traditional Stadium Favorites • Grilled Brats • Chili Fries • Stadium Dogs Come Join the Fun on Come Join the Fun on Sunday Jan. 31st and February 7 Sunday Jan. 31st and February 7 Doors Open at 4pm • Pro Game Kickoff at 7:30pm Doors Open at 4pm • Pro Game Kickoff at 7:30pm 1707 Owen Drive BE THERE! BE THERE! 910.323-0111

• Cover