Everyone needs help sometimes. Thankfully, there are Caregivers!
Some families are fortunate to have family members able to help. Others turn to paid caregivers for all or part of the help needed.
Running errands… picking up medications… paying bills… driving to the doctor... arranging home care…helping to dress…regardless of the task, it's all caregiving.
If you're a volunteer caregiver, your responsibilities may increase over time until you find are overwhelmed by demands from all the areas of your life – job, family, children, after-school activities, and now, the family member you're helping.
It might help to know that there are over 44 million families and friends across the country , just like you, who are providing care for another adult over 18.* That's nearly 1 in 4 households. In New York City, an estimated 1 million individuals provide some degree of care for their family member.
Its not just seniors who need caregiving. The Census Bureau (2000) reports that 2.1 million children across the country are being raised by their grandparents. In New York City, over 83,000 grandparent caregivers are raising their grandchildren. If you would like to know more about being a caregiving grandparent, click here.
By understanding that you are a caregiver, you become aware that others share your the challenge of keeping life in balance, and that there are services available to help lighten the load.
In particular, look to service networks such as the National Family Caregiver Support Program in New York City and other places, where caregivers can find the help they need.
Caregiving can be rewarding. This website offers answers, support, practical suggestions, and links to help in your neighborhood, making it easier for you to care.
* Source: "Caregiving in the U.S." National Alliance for Caregiving & AARP, 2004.