GERIATRIC EDUCATION SERIES

Presented in partnership with:

Funded in part by a grant from the EJC Foundation

dhs.unr.edu/aging

Caregiver Support & Resources

January 6, 2016Kelley R. Macmillan, Ph.D., LSW

Director Community & Social ServicesSanford Center for Aging

Objectives

OBJECTIVE 1: Administer and score a caregiver burden screening instrument

OBJECTIVE 2: Encourage family caregiver self-care

OBJECTIVE 3: Discuss referral options to community programs serving older adults and family caregivers

What is Caregiving?

• Hands on personal care• Helping with household tasks• Night-time or 24-hour supervision• Financial management• Care coordination

Who are Caregivers?

• Women (60%)

• Adult Children (36%)

• Sole Caregiver (44%)

• Work Full-time (60%)

Why Assess the Caregiver?

A caregiver assessment helps us understand what may support the caregiver in their role which benefits our client to maintain community residence.

Why are Caregivers Important?

• In the US there are 34.2 million (14.3% of pop.) people providing care (50 & >)

• The estimated cost for caregiving is $470 billion per year! (2013 data)

What are Caregivers Providing?

• Approximately 60% of care recipients ONLY receive care from informal caregivers

• CG provide 24.1 hrs/wk on average

• 22% of CG provide 40 hrs or more/wk

• A caregiving career lasts 3.7 years

Risks for Caregivers - 1

Caregivers are at greater risk of health problems:

• Infectious disease, such as flu• Heart problems• Diabetes• Cancer

Risks for Caregivers - 2

Caregivers are at greater risk of mental health emotional problems:

• Depression (two times as common)• Stress and burden• Interpersonal problems• Anxiety

Risks for Caregivers - 3

Caregivers are at greater risk of social problems:

• Isolation• Reduced leisure activities/time• Restricted social roles

Caregiver Stress

• Balancing caregiving, family and work

• Balancing the relationship with the care recipient

• Making decisions regarding care

Benefits of Caregiving - 1

• A natural support system

• A meaningful & satisfying role

• The relationship between the adult and the caregiver may be enhanced

Benefits of Caregiving - 2

• An opportunity to ‘give back’ to a parent

• Satisfaction in knowing the adult has a good quality of life– Autonomy & self-determination– Remain in home/familiar surroundings– Trusting relationship with caregiver

Strategies for Caregivers - 1

Social and Health Services– Case management– Respite care– Medicaid services (HCBS)– Medicare services (home health)

Strategies for Caregivers - 2

• Psychosocial support - reduces isolation & permits ventilation of feelings with other caregivers

• Psychosocial support - reduces anxiety, guilt, depression & psychosomatic complaints

Strategies for Caregivers - 3

Psycho-education about caregiving– The aging process– Coping with caregiving– Communication strategies– Problem-solving– Information regarding community services

Strategies for Caregivers - 4

• Immunizations - influenza, pneumococcal, tetanus

• Health screenings - cervical cancer, mammogram, blood sugar and blood pressure

• Mental health screening - stress, depression and anxiety

Strategies for Caregivers - 5

Encourage planning for future needs (caregiving can last for > 4 years)

• Living Will

•Advance Directive

•Durable Power of Attorney

Strategies for Caregivers - 6• Family member keeps copies of person’s

important records.

• Direct deposit of person’s check(s)

• Automatic bill-pay

• Joint access to a bank account

Strategies for Caregivers - 7• Utility party notification

• Decide what to do about checkbook, credit cards

• Develop a system for handling mail

• Consider Volunteer Rep Payee Program

Interaction with Caregivers• Give information in small doses

• Tackle one issue at a time

• Limit the length of your visits

• Verify that families understand

• Give manageable “homework” assignments and write them down!

Resources• Family Caregiver Alliancehttp://www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/content_node.jsp?nodeid=1717

• Nevada ADRChttp://www.nevadaadrc.com/

• Aging and Disability Resource Center (National)http://www.adrc-tae.acl.gov/tiki-index.php?page=ADRCLocator

• Eldercare Locatorhttp://www.eldercare.gov/Eldercare.NET/Public/Index.aspx

• AARPhttp://www.aarp.org/home-family/caregiving/

Sanford CenterGeriatric Specialty Clinic

Kelley R. Macmillan, Ph.D., LSWkmacmillan@unr.edu

(775) 327-2281