The Journey of Caring for the Caregiver: The Sandwich Generation Presented by: Tracy Ketzeback, MSW, LSW Nola Varilek, Community Outreach Dreaming of Life Just when we think we have it all figured out What is a CAREGIVER? What is a Caregiver? A person who gives help and protection to someone (such as a child, an old person, or someone who is sick). 1
What is Family? The Statistics 1 in 8 Americans are caring for both children and parents What is the Sandwich Generation? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcboe BrZ4KU&list=PLhYn2iAdp4mKh1I6NIfm1PAPTdvc-uL5 Between 7 and 10 million people in the U.S. are caring for multi-generations Most Sandwich Generation caregivers are aged 40 60 years old The Basic The Club 2
The Open-Faced Stressors Financial Housing Shd Scheduling Respite care Privacy Emotions Caregiver Stress Financial implications: Caregiving costs add up! $5,500 per year or more Time management: Caregiving takes time! Less time for other family and themselves Missed vacations, less time for hobbies or other activities. Competing demands: Balancing caregiving responsibilities with job demands can be difficult! Medical appointments, arranging services and meeting with social workers means daytime hours. Physical and mental stress Frustrated, exhausted, angry, sad 10 Symptoms of Caregiver Stress Denial Anger Social withdrawal Anxiety Depression Exhaustion Sleeplessness Irritability Lack of concentration Health problems First Steps Health Care Directive -POLST Power of Attorney for Finances Will MyChart If you experience any of these on a regular basis, talk to your doctor. 3
Health Care Directives Everyone aged 18+ Before a crisis Should be updated often Decade Death Disease Disability Decline in Health Upcoming event opportunities One family s story https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhxrhd7 qwdk&list=plhyn2iadp4nsuigmmkwut79pxsdm6uf6 I gave away the prime time of my life to care for my father. - Caregiver Home Care & Hospice Services Physical Therapy Eval for Home Safety Occupational Therapy Medication Set-up Nursing Visits Social Services for: Emotional Support Goal Planning Community Resources Taking Care of Others https://www.youtube.com/watc h?v=frt-wljnipq Resources for Services CMCOA/Sr. Linkage Line CCH Medical Alert Services Meals on Wheels Housing Options Assisted Living Skilled Nursing Dementia 4
Resources for Services Respite Adult Day Services Transportation Non-skilled Home Service Needs Home Instead Comfort Keepers Visiting Angels Private Duty Support from Network Extended Family Friends Church Others Self-Care Set personal health goals Yoga Walking Get enough sleep Proper nutrition Routine health check-ups Accept help from others You can t pour from an empty cup. Disease Specific Support Groups Alzheimer s Support Group Brain Injury Alliance Whitney Senior Center: Alz. Support group Veteran Caregiver Support System ALS Support group MS Support Group Take care of yourself first! 5
Online Resources MN Board on Aging http://www.mnaging.net/advisor/caregiver.aspx Family Means www.familymeans.org Family Caregiver Alliance https://www.caregiver.org/ Minnesota Live Well At Home http://www.mnlivewellathome.org/ CareZone https://carezone.com/home What to do when there s a lack of resources Adapting home to changing care needs Seek out home care agencies/skilled and non-skilled Easter Seals and Goodwill for equipment American Legions for wheel chairs and walkers TriCap What if you know someone who s caring for a loved one? Reach out and offer assistance Ask what you can do help Offer to transport to appointments Make a hot dish Scrub a bathroom Rake leaves Remove snow I have come to believe that caring for myself is not self indulgent; Caring for myself is an act of survival. - Audre Lorde, Caregiver The Heart of a Caregiver 6
Thank you! Caring for the Caregiver: The Sandwich Generation 7