Council on Aging Answers 2015 - 32

Becoming a Caregiver:
8 Factors to Consider

hEALThCARE

COUNCIL ON AGING - ORANGE COUNTY

In our rapidly aging society, more and more of us find
ourselves transitioning into the role of caregiver for an
older relative. Consider these common scenarios:
n A senior experiences a stroke, heart attack, hip
fracture or other health crisis, and family step in to support recovery.
n A senior loved one is living with a chronic illness
or Alzheimer's disease. As time passes, family members
provide a greater amount of transportation, healthcare
management and hands-on medical and personal care
as their loved one's care needs grow.
n It seems unsafe for elderly parents to be living
alone-but Mom and Dad don't want to move to an assisted living community.
Or, maybe your senior parent is still independent and
in good health, so you really haven't given caregiving
much thought? Whatever your situation, if you are an
adult child of senior parents, thinking through your role
and planning ahead will help you be ready if you become one of the 65 million Americans who are providing care for an elderly loved one-whether that means
hands-on, full-time support, managing a loved one's
care from afar, or having your loved one move in with
you. And as you think about your role, you might realize
that even if you don't call yourself a caregiver, you are!
If you are considering serving as primary caregiver
for a parent or other elderly person, or you think you
might be called upon to do so in the future, or if you
already are providing care but your role is likely to expand, here are some questions to consider:

Where will my loved one live? Is a retirement community, assisted living or other
senior housing option the best choice?
If your loved one prefers to stay in his or her own
home, is that a safe and workable option? Is the home
suitable for current and future needs? If not, would
having your loved one move into your home be a
workable arrangement? How much assistance would
you need to provide? Would your home need to be

Answers Guide 2015

modified for safety and accessibility?

How would becoming my loved one's caregiver affect my job?
Caregiving can be a full-time job in itself. Stressed-out
working caregivers often feel torn between their work
and caregiving responsibilities. They may miss out on
advancement opportunities or be passed over for promotions. They are likely to use all their vacation for
caregiving, and then to take unpaid leave.

Should I quit my job to care for my loved
one?
A poll in the September 2013 issue of the Caring Right
at Home online newsletter found that almost two-thirds
of respondents who were working caregivers had cut
back on work hours, quit their job or taken a less-demanding position. But experts warn caregivers to think
things through carefully before leaving their paid employment. According to the MetLife Mature Market Institute, employed caregivers lose an average of $304,000
in salary, reduced Social Security benefits and pensions
if they leave the workforce prematurely to provide care.
And caregivers trying to re-enter the workforce when
their caregiving duties lessen may encounter barriers.

How do I get along with my loved one?
The emotional climate when an elderly loved
one needs care can be a mixed bag. Some families find
that caregiving nourishes an increased sense of love and
connection between the generations. In other families,
everyone butts heads! Living together in this way can
be intense. If your relationship with your parent was
already strained or difficult, caregiving can magnify the
difficulties.

How will my caregiving role affect other
family members?
Do children still live in the home? How much time will
caregiving take away from your responsibilities to them?

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Council on Aging Answers 2015

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Council on Aging Answers 2015