Caregiving is a demanding, and often socially isolating, necessity for many people. Here are ways caregivers can cope with the challenges. 

Maggie has turned her Florida beach bungalow into a “full-fledged ICU” after her husband had a stroke several years ago. Kathleen moved back to her childhood home to take care of her parents, who are both in their 80s. Gina, after much searching, finally found a caregiver to help her take care of her mom, 82, so the burden doesn’t solely fall on her.

Meeting The Caregiver Challenge

Scenarios like these are all too common as an estimated 44 million caregivers in the United States care for parents, friends, children and grandchildren, according to a 2024 study by the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. The data also revealed the tremendous impact on caregiver health and well-being, as well as the financial burdens of caretaking.

Programs designed to support caregivers can be found all over the country—if you know where to look.

The RUSH Caring for Caregivers program at RUSH University Medical Center in Chicago supports family members and friends who are caring for seniors. The program offers services (free and fee based) that focus on reducing caregiver stress, preventing caregiver burnout and assisting caregivers with balancing between the needs of their care recipient with their own needs. (While the Caring for Caregivers program is only available in Illinois, the program is being shared with hospitals and agencies on aging across the country.)

“The first thing we want to tell caregivers is, you’re not alone,” says Diane Mariani, LCSW, Director of Caring for Caregivers. The RUSH program provides support groups, workshops and referrals to caregivers.

“Many people don’t understand the depth of what caregivers go through…whether it’s ‘I don’t have time to take a shower’ or understanding the relationship the caregiver has to the person they may be taking care of,” says Mariani.

Curious how technology can provide support for older adult caregivers? Listen to Senior Planet’s Aging Rewired podcast with guest Amy Goyer, AARP Family and Caregiving

For individuals looking for support across the country, says Mariani, “Look at the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging.” An Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is a public or private nonprofit agency designated by a state to address the needs and concerns of all older persons at the regional and local levels. AAA is a general term — names of local AAAs may vary.

For example, in New York City it is the Department for the Aging, in Los Angeles it’s City of Los Angeles Department of Aging (https://aging.lacity.gov).

These agencies are primarily responsible for a geographic area, also known as a planning and service area (PSA), that is either a city, a single county, or a multi-county district. AAAs may be categorized as a county, city, regional planning council or council of governments, private, or nonprofit.

Want to meet online with fellow caregivers to share tips, ideas and experiences?  Join the Senior Planet Community’s Caregivers Assemble Group! 

The Aging Life Care Association, says Kate Granigan, MSW, LICSW, of the Tucson, AZ group, “promotes and leads aging life care professionals through knowledge, continuing education, professional development and the highest ethical practices. Caregiving is often overwhelming. You don’t know what you don’t know, and it can be isolating. An aging lifecare professional can be your guide.”

The 2,000 professional members of the nationwide association have expertise in healthcare, housing, family dynamics and end of life care—which is constantly changing.  Looking for professionals near you?  The Association’s website has a Find an Aging Life Care Expert search tool. Professionals are listed by city and state or zip code.

“The Alzheimer’s Association also has free resources for caregivers. They often have support groups for caregivers and spouses that may have early-stage dementia, for example.” says Granigan.

In Part 2 of “Aging and Caregiving,” Amy answers listener questions about preparing for the financial burden of caregiving, what questions to ask when hiring a paid caregiver, and more.

Another source she suggests is Daughterhood.org, that “strives to help family caregivers feel supported and not alone.” They offer ‘Circles’ which are free, virtual and easily accessible.

“These group sessions are particularly good for those who can’t leave someone alone or someone juggling caretaking and work,” says Granigan.

Caregivers should also look for support from their employers, she suggests. “At Life Care Advocates, [Granigan’s company] we have a contract with a national company that pays for three hours of consulting per employee in need, for example. It’s a growing trend,” says Granigan.

And finally, Gina, who found a caretaker her mom likes, is reliable and whom she trusts, says “Don’t count out word of mouth. I asked a lot of my friends if they knew anyone, and someone came through with someone we love.”

Are you a caregiver looking for information on digital resources and information?  Check out Senior Planet’s array of Digital Resources at our Caregiving page!

Additional Resources

Caregivers don’t have to go it alone.  Here are other resources to help.

AARP Caregiving Guides offer support and information. They also offer a call in service that has been expanded to  more states and to Puerto Rico. For more information or to connect with a 211 specialist, visit www.211.org. To learn about the latest 211 Impact Survey data, visit: www.unitedway.org/211data.

Find your local Area Agency on Aging by visiting the Eldercare Locator website or calling 1-800-677-1116.

The National Family Caregiver Support Program funds a variety of supports that help family and informal caregivers care for older adults in their homes for as long as possible.

The Lifespan Respite Care Program works to improve the delivery and quality of respite services for caregivers of older adults and people with disabilities.

The Caring for Caregivers Across the U.S. effort, which includes info on the program.

YOUR TURN

Are you a caregiver?  What are your tips for handling this challenge?  Let us know in the comments!

Jennifer Juergens Thomas has a lifelong interest in how people get together.  As a former AP reporter she covered feature stories and later wrote about conventions from Anaheim to New  Zealand as editor of Meetings and Conventions magazine. She was a public relations consultant for clients like the Society of Incentive and Travel Executives focusing on how and why people need to get together. An Orlando resident, she continues to contribute to Meetings Today magazine among other ventures.