Caregivers deserve a hug! Informal Caregivers (family and unpaid friends) are the unsung heroes of our present day health care system. These Caregivers are usually family members who have other work and family responsibilities in addition to caring for those who are chronically ill and elderly. The majority of long-term care is provided by these taxed Caregivers without pay, and usually without respite or relief. Here are some facts that help us understand the roles these Caregivers play. | • | The numbers are estimated to be 15 – 25 million individuals | | • | While not being paid, these Caregivers provide care valued at $257 billion. As reported in the CARING Magazine, this is more than nursing home and home health care costs combined. | | • | It has been determined that the Balancing Budget Act of 1997 has resulted in changes in Medicare that will nearly reduce the Medicare beneficiaries receiving home health care by 25 percent. | | • | Medicaid and state-run long-term care programs are suffering from decreased budgets. | | • | Private long-term care insurance, though more popular, is serving only a small percentage of home care recipients. | | • | Home health professional staff is already overtaxed. | | • | Informal Caregivers are providing hands-on nursing care that often replaces professional care. | | • | Our general population is aging. | | • | Chronic illness is increasing, with longer phases of rehabilitation being required or life expectancy realized. | | • | Informal Caregivers are receiving little support from the formal care system, though there are services that help ease this problem. | | • | In a comprehensive survey, more than half of all caregivers received no training from formal care providers in performing Caregiving tasks.. | | • | Many Caregivers themselves are in poor health or more vulnerable to serious health conditions. | | • | Family Caregivers suffer from overwhelming feelings of grief, exhaustion, burdens, frustrations, and feelings of hopelessness that add to the strain of caring for another person. |
This information was compiled from data and screenings of over 1000 Informal Caregivers in 1998 in an article written by Ahrens and Nadash in the March 2003 edition of CARING Magazine. If you are a Caregiver, I just want to say thank you for the challenging help you offer! http://www.mid-eastaaa.org/ Serving Seniors in the Counties of St. Louis, St. Charles, Franklin and Jefferson Since 1973 Phone: (636) 207-0847 or toll-free 1 (800) AGE-6060 Information and Assistance: (636) 207-1323 http://www.caregiver.com/ For information and support online, filled with valuable information. Stay connected, get help and find out about a great ‘Today’s Caregiver Magazine’. ________________________________________________________________________ Registered Nurse from Arnold, MO Receives the National Caregiver Friendly Award Today’s Caregiver Magazine 2003 Mother Earth Designs, Inc. received The 2004 Today’s Caregiver magazine’s Caregiver Friendly Award® for product design of the Mother Earth Comfort Heart Pillow. This National magazine and web-site support and Newsletter organization recognizes outstanding books, media, products and services which have been designed with the best interest of the caregiver and their loved one in mind. Mother Earth Comfort Heart Pillow provides a warm embrace “…like the arms of Mother Earth”. Warmed in the microwave, this natural approach easily and swiftly helps manage pain, discomfort, tension or chilling for both the Family Caregiver and Loved Ones. Self-Care is vital for Caregivers who experience stress while balancing all facets of caring for others. Karen Kowal, RN, LMT, NCTMB is founder and CEO of Mother Earth Designs, Inc. Since 1995, Kowal has focused on designing and producing cost effective products that help offer comfort for all ages. Her focus on educating professionals and non-professionals about Self-Care techniques has helped her become a recognized speaker and educator on a National level. Back to Articles | 
