Family Caregiving: Family Fact Sheet #1

Family caregivers are a diverse group of individuals. Forty-eight percent of them care for spouses or life partners, 24 percent care for a parent, and 19 percent care for a child or grandchild. Approximately two out of every three caregivers are also working individuals. Almost half of family caregivers spend 40 hours per week on caregiving tasks. It is important for families to remember that there are resources available for them to utilize for support. The Eastern Agency on Aging, the University of Maine Center on Aging, Aroostook Area Agency on Aging, Senior Spectrum, Rosscare, Norumbega Medical, Horizons Health Services, Indian Township Tribal Health Center, and Bucksport Regional Health Center can assist

Caregiving Resources: Primary Care Practice Fact Sheet #7

It is important to remember that not all resources are dependent upon income. Health care professionals should remind patients to ask about options that they have. Local resources for caregivers include the Local Area Agency on Aging, the Maine Alzheimer’s Association Helpline, and the Bureau of Elder and Adult Services. Nationwide resources for professionals in regard to caregiving include the Family Caregiver Alliance, the US Administration on Aging, and the American Medical Association. By keeping these resources in mind and utilizing them when available, caregivers will be better prepared before a crisis occurs

The Healthcare Team Includes the Caregiver: Primary Care Practice Fact Sheet #3

Whether or not an older individual is able to remain living in their home or not often depends on the availability of a family caregiver. These informal caregivers are crucial for activities of daily living, monitoring medications, and monitoring the patient’s condition. The primary care physician should ensure that all members of the caregiving team fully communicates with each other

Intimacy: Family Fact Sheet #4

As a family caregiver takes on new roles, family patterns may be altered. One hidden cost to caregiving is measured in emotional exchange. Loss of sexual and emotional intimacy is not uncommon. Touch establishes connect, reassurance, safety, or relaxation. As a family caregiver, if you are experiencing issues with intimacy, you may find it helpful to discuss this with your physician

Caregiving Resources: Family Fact Sheet #7

There are many resources available to assist informal caregivers, and not all are based on income requirements. Local resources that exist are your Local Area Agency on Aging, the Maine Alzheimer’s Association Helpline, and the Bureau of Elder and Adult Services. Federal resources include Elder Care Locator and AARP. Before calling a resource specialist, make sure to have basic information about your loved one, as they may ask about their demographic, health, legal, and financial information. Call ahead to familiarize yourself with options in order to be prepared before a crisis occurs

Men Provide Care to Relatives Also: Primary Care Practice Sheet #6

Male caregivers in modern society often are overlooked or face discrimination. Due to the belief systems in our society, many men fell as though they should not seek outside help with their caregiving, and often experience health problems. Thus, it is important for healthcare professionals to ask questions to ensure that the male caregivers are maintaining their wellbeing. Encouraging discussions can assist in this as well as identifying if they need help from outside resources

Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation: Family Fact Sheet #5

Elder abuse is often perpetrated by a family member. As a family caregiver, it is important to recognize if you are experiencing low self-esteem, feeling burnt out, isolated or hopeless, or if you have a history of domestic violence. Stress is a normal part of caregiving, and it is important to find efficient ways to cope with it, such as taking care of yourself. Identifying and preventing possible abusive behavior is important, and you can receive assistance through family members, friends, and respite services

Depression: Family Fact Sheet #2

Caregiving does not cause depression, but some may experience it, as many sacrifice their own physical and emotional needs in order to provide care to others. Symptoms of depression may include a change in eating habits, sleep patterns, feelings of constant exhaustion, loss of interest in things that once brought you pleasure, thoughts of suicide, among others. If any of these symptoms persist for more than two weeks, it is important to recognize and get help with these issues. Depression is a highly curable illness with appropriate medical care

A Handbook For People Who Care: Caring for Parents and Other Older Adults

Family caregivers are a diverse group of individuals. Forty-eight percent care for spouses or life partners, 24 percent care for a parent, and 19 percent care for a child or grandchild. Nearly two out of every three family caregivers are working individual, and almost half spend 40 hours a week on caregiving tasks. Seventy-five percent of spousal caregivers receive little to no outside resources. Resources available include Meals for Me, Personal Care Services, Respite, and Senior Companion. There are options for community services, homemaker services, and home-based care. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging to discover resources available to you

Who Cares for the Caregiver: Primary Care Practice Fact Sheet #1

Informal caregivers are crucial to society, yet often sacrifice their own health in order to maintain the proper care of others. The economic value of informal caregivers’ services is projected to be $196 billion, and approximately 15 to 25 million adults in the United States fit this profile. The health of caregivers is often overlooked, so primary care practices should focus on checking in with them and being an advocate for them. This will allow for an improvement in the health of both the caregiver and the care recipient