Caregiver Support
Caregiver Support
Caregiver Support
Caregiver Support
The important role of caregivers
A caregiver refers to anyone who provides care for another person. As a caregiver you help relieve burdens and support individuals in need. This important role may last for a long time or just a short time but regardless of the length of care it is not easy for anyone.
This complicated disease demands that caregivers make sacrifices and adjustments. Access to information, resources and support can help you navigate these important responsibilities.
For more information see the new 2020 National Alliance for Caregiving Report
Let’s take a closer look at the African-American Caregiver Profile
Caregiver Profile
Caregiver Profile
Family Status:
Most caregivers are married and have children ages 7-17
%
of AFRICAN-AMERICANS are sandwiched between childcare and caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's
RAce:
Overall, more AFRICAN-AMERICANS are Caregivers than their White counterparts
RAce:
Overall, more AFRICAN-AMERICANS are Caregivers than their White counterparts
Age:
is the average AFRICAN-AMERICAN Caregiver age
Sex:
%
of Caregivers are Women
INCOME:
INCOME:
%
of Caregivers earn $50k - $99k/year
%
earn less than $49k/year
%
earn less than $49k/year
Caregivers are experiencing severe burnout
Caregivers bear the burden of round-the-clock care, as well as the heartbreak when their loved ones forget who they are. In addition to the overwhelming mental & physical health impact on the caregiver, on average they spend 36 hours a week providing unpaid care.
Not only are they spending money on their loved one’s out-of-pocket, they are losing money in peak earning years, and their careers suffer.
This is an extremely difficult reality to face and you ask yourself where are my advocates, how do I ask for help, who cares about what I am going through, when do I get control of my changing circumstances, what is the best way to cope, and how can I coordinate work, family and health care? It may be especially hard to feel that what you are doing is enough and that what you are doing is important.
Spent on their own healthcare/year, while adult children spend an additional $4.8K/ year.
%
Have dealt with anxiety & depression since assuming caregiver duties.
%
Relayed their health has worsened after taking on the caregiver role.
Caregivers are experiencing severe burnout
Caregivers bear the burden of the most intrusive and intimate 24/7 care, as well as the heartbreak when their loved ones forget who they are. 57% provide at least four years of care.
In addition to the mental & physical health impact of expending an average of 36 hours of week on unpaid care, 50% of caregivers have experienced direct hits to their wallet. Not only are they spending money on their loved one’s out-of-pocket care and their own, they’re losing money in peak earning years—42% of caregivers reported their career has suffered as a result.
Spent on their own healthcare/year, while adult children spend an additional $4.8K/ year.
%
Have dealt with anxiety & depression since assuming caregiver duties.
%
Relayed their health has worsened after taking on the caregiver role.
Advocacy
Access education, tools, resources, and support to prevent your loved ones from being abused, neglected, or taken advantage of.
Ask
Don’t be afraid or ashamed, ask for help from family, friends, neighbors and community organizations like COAACH.
Care
Lean how to prepare for each stage of the disease and the appropriate care required.
Control
Learn how to manage & balance your loved one’s care with your own family, life, and career.
Cope
Gain emotional support. Learn how to cope with the mental & physical stress of caregiving. Focus on your own health and self-care.
Coordinate
Learn how to manage day-to-day care & activities. From intimate activities such as dressing and bathing to appointments and working with the health care system.
There has been exciting new research in recent years that points to the importance of “brain games”. They help keep your brain healthy and sharp especially for people dealing with memory loss or those who are currently suffering from Alzheimer’s. Games are also mentally stimulating and fun!
Games can offer both social and mental stimulation for those with dementia, while “exercising” the brain and possibly, slowing the deterioration of cognitive abilities. Five types of games that are especially well suited for loved ones with Alzheimer’s include:
Card Games
The beauty of card games is that they may be familiar to those with dementia, which means caregivers won’t need to try and teach dementia sufferers how to play a new game, and/or the cards themselves may visually jog one’s memory.
Bingo
Similar to card games, bingo is another familiar activity that triggers long-term memory, making it one of the more stimulating brain games for dementia. It is best to at least start with simplified bingo boards containing fewer numbers, with the numbers printed larger, making them easier to locate.
Visual Games
Try printing out photos of items from the past that may have meaning for those playing—photos of old cars, buildings, movie stars, etc.—then place them on a table. Call out which photo you want the other players to find; or in an alternate version, print out two copies of each photo, have your loved one match the pair together, and then have them describe the contents of the images.
Word Puzzles
People dealing with memory loss often struggle with recalling words, so for a challenging but fun word game, have your loved one try and complete common phrases they may be able to recall, like “An apple a day keeps the [blank] away,” or “April showers, bring May [blank].”
Video Games
Video games are becoming increasingly popular with seniors, even though many didn’t play them in their younger years. For dementia sufferers, the more complicated video games may be too much to learn and master, but the more basic titles—especially puzzle games like Tetris—can be a more stimulating alternative to watching TV.
What can you do now for you and your loved one?
Taking care of yourself if one of the most important things you can do as a caregiver. Make sure you are making time for yourself, eating healthy foods, and being active. Consider joining a caregiver support group, either in your own community or online. Meeting other caregivers can relieve your sense of isolation and will give you a chance to exchange stories and ideas. Your brain health is also essential and using “Brain Games” is a tool that you can use for both you and your loved one.
Health & Wellbeing
Health & Wellbeing
About half of AFRICAN-AMERICAN caregivers feel they had no choice in taking on their role, but the majority find a sense of purpose or meaning in that role – more so than non-Hispanic white or Asian caregivers.
AFRICAN-AMERICAN caregivers report being in excellent or very good health less often than non-Hispanic White caregivers.
Tips for taking care of yourself
- Take TIME for yourself
- ASK for help
- PRACTICE mindfulness, yoga, prayer or meditation
- Get proper REST and exercise
- Eat HEALTHY
CAREGIVER SUPPORT PROGRAMS FOR THE COMMUNITY
Caregiver Education Series
To promote COAACH’s education and community empowerment mission in a broader area, the Caregiver Education Series was developed. The series is designed as a half day curriculum to be presented at different partner organizations throughout the state.
Coming Soon
Care-Partner Support Group
Support groups are one way for people with early-onset Alzheimer’s and their caregivers to find that they’re not alone. Support groups allow caregivers and people with the disease to share frustrations and grieve with others, as well as share advice, tips and victories.
The Dementia Care-Partner’s Workbook: A Guide for Understanding Education and Hope – Created and Designed by Dr. Edward G. Shaw to guide participants through this difficult time. The support group workbook or self-study guide is for care partners of a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, in Ten powerful lessons.
For 24/7 Caregiver Support
Please don’t hesitate and contact the Alzhiemer’s Association Caregiver Helpline at 1 (800)272-3900