What Kind of Support Is Available for Seniors and Their Caregivers?
Approximately 20% of Americans age 60 years and older receive some form of community-based support and services. In this article, we look at the different forms of care available to help seniors in their homes with a focus on promoting autonomy and independence, as well as reducing the physical, emotional, and financial burden on caregivers.
Long-term care can be expensive
According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 7 out of 10 65-year-olds require some form of long-term care.
Nevertheless, a recent poll reveals shortcomings in the financial preparedness of today’s middle-aged and older adults in terms of covering future long-term care costs. A poll by AP-NORC conducted between 2013 and 2018 showed that 47% of adults aged 40 and older admitted that they did not feel confident that they would be able to pay for their long-term care in old age. Only 29% of the individuals polled said that they had set aside funds to cover future ongoing living assistance expenses.
Many seniors do not have the funds necessary to cover long-term care, be it assisted living, in-home care, or nursing home care. Frequently, family members such as adult children have to shoulder the financial burden or support their elderly parents themselves. While these contributions can go a long way toward reducing the cost of long-term care, they can come at a substantial personal cost to the family caregiver.
Many Americans have insufficient funds to cover the costs of a relative’s care
According to a survey conducted by AgingCare, 63% of adults who cared for their parents were unsure about how they would be able to afford to continue paying for their care over the next five years. With in-home care and assisted living each costing an average of $4,000 a month, and a semi-private room in the average nursing home costing more than $7,400 per month, this places a massive burden on adult relatives who, at the end of the day, need to save to safeguard their own financial security in retirement. While most young adults realize that saving for their retirement is crucial, many fail to consider their parents’ financial obligations, as well.
The impact on caregivers
Approximately 53% of caregivers provide 40 or more hours of weekly care outside of their careers. The cost in terms of the time and energy expended to take care of loved ones can be staggering. According to the survey by AgingCare:
· 36% of caregivers take fewer than 5 hours of breaks per week
· 37% of caregivers provide over 80 hours of care each week
· 21% of caregivers receive no respite from caregiving
When caregivers receive no respite care, they must endure high stress conditions that can breed feelings of isolation, fatigue, anxiety, and depression that can result in caregiver burnout.
Being a caregiver is physically and emotionally demanding. Caring for a relative often creates financial difficulties that can compound a caregiver’s burden. Caregivers who receive no respite often feel trapped by their situation. The psychological burden can cause caregivers to become ill themselves, necessitating that they take time off from work to recuperate and incur medical bills. As a result of self-neglect and chronic stress, many caregivers end up developing serious and even life-threatening health conditions.
There are many free services for seniors and their caregivers
The majority of US seniors live on a limited income funded by Social Security, a small pension, or possibly some form of government assistance. For seniors and caregivers alike, the ability to access free and discounted services can have life-changing potential.
Government agencies can help to connect seniors and their caregivers with the support that they need. The Office for the Aging and local charities such as Meals on Wheels and Lions Club can help to provide seniors with extra support.
Office for the Aging government agencies are listed under different names in some local areas, such as the Division of Senior Services, so it is important to check with your local government. They can provide counseling to assess what benefits an elderly relative qualifies for and provide further information on food stamps, health insurance, and other services through trained counselors.
Adult day care centers may be government-run or operated by a local house of worship or charity. Such facilities, which offer nutritious meals in a safe environment, provide a valuable opportunity for seniors to socialize. Again, the Office for the Aging can provide details on local centers. When facilities do charge a fee, it is usually nominal and designed to help cover food, utilities, and operating costs.
Some seniors qualify for free dental care and/or dentures. Your local Office for the Aging should have details about local operators who provide the service, which can vary from one location to another.
Other free services often included phones for individuals with hearing impairments, cell phones for seniors, food stamps, hearing aids, legal assistance, mobility equipment, and medical alert systems.
It is vital that seniors and caregivers obtain the help and support that they need. The Eldercare website offers a variety of resources with a focus on housing, support services, transportation, and elder rights.
