| Today's caregivers are not alone, and represent a | | | | (late fifties). Her husband faithfully cared for her |
| very large, diverse group. Although there are | | | | for a number of years, sheltering the kids until her |
| many nurses and professional caregivers that | | | | condition began to noticeably decline. At that point, |
| serve in this role, family members make up about | | | | they moved closer to where the kids were so |
| 80 to 90 percent of the caregivers of the elderly. | | | | that they could provide some assistance for their |
| About 75 percent of the caregivers are women. | | | | dad. This worked well for about 4 years, and he |
| The majority of these are mostly daughters who | | | | was able to golf several times a week and get |
| are caring for an aging parent. In many cases an | | | | some much needed breaks. Then, he suddenly |
| elderly spouse starts out as the primary | | | | passed away. My mother-in-law then moved in |
| caregiver, but eventually passes the baton on to | | | | with us, and my wife became the primary |
| their adult daughters and sons when they become | | | | caregiver. We are blessed to have many family |
| overwhelmed or their own health begins to suffer. | | | | and friends that help out. Her brother and sister |
| Estimates vary, but currently there are probably | | | | and their families help out regularly, caring for their |
| over 10 million older people that require some | | | | mother a couple days each week and on every |
| type of assistance in performing their day-to-day | | | | other weekend. Normally, we all work together to |
| activities. In 2006 there were 37.3 million people | | | | cover the caregiving so that each family gets |
| that were 65 or older, representing 12.4 percent | | | | away, if possible, for a family vacation each year |
| of the U.S. population. That is approximately 1 out | | | | to relax. |
| of every 8 Americans, and is expected to grow | | | | Although being a caregiver is never easy, it is |
| to about 20 percent by the year 2030. The good | | | | rewarding. Even though my mother-in-law cannot |
| news is that people are living longer than ever | | | | communicate or do much on her own, it is always |
| before, and people over 65 have much | | | | neat to see her smiling or humming along while |
| experience and talent to offer. In fact many folks | | | | she is listening to an old familiar song. It is |
| are still healthy and active into their 80s, 90s or | | | | important to put together the right team of |
| beyond. However, sooner or later you may be in | | | | family, friends, and paid caregivers so that your |
| a position where you need some assistance for | | | | loved one is well cared for and you get regular |
| yourself, or you are providing care for someone | | | | breaks. Your loved one's care is important, but |
| else. | | | | make sure that each of the caregivers also takes |
| In our particular situation, my mother-in-law was | | | | good care of themselves. |
| diagnosed with Alzheimer's at a fairly young age | | | | |