Coalition Launches 1st Publication Devoted to Issues Caregivers Face

To coincide with Older Americans Month in May, the New York State Coalition for the Aging, Inc. (NYSCA) announced the release of New York's first newsletter developed solely for persons caring for older adults or persons with disabilities. Called Caregiver Assistance News, this product is adapted for family caregivers in a simple, reader-friendly monthly periodical-style newsletter enabling them to do their job with confidence, pride and a level of competence.

"Millions of individuals devote countless hours and resources helping family members and friends. This help includes transportation, medical care, personal care, home modifications, money management, medication management, meal preparation, shopping assistance and much, much more, says Greg Olsen, Executive Director. "There is estimated to be over 1.7 million caregivers in New York alone. These caregivers have stated that information is what they need the most and Caregiver Assistance News is responding to this need by offering information and resources on where and how to get help."

"People often do not identify themselves as caregivers. They see themselves as helping "Mom" or "Dad". We understand this and we also understand that sometimes it is difficult to provide this care. It can be stressful and tiring and it is not always easy to see a loved one or a friend who has deteriorated or requires assistance, " says Christine Cary, President of NYSCA. "Fortunately, there is help for people who provide care in many communities in New York."

There are services available that may ease some of the stresses and help the caregiver. Services such as home-delivered meals, transportation assistance, adult day services, care management, respite, support groups, etc. Sometimes taking a break can help recharge the batteries of the caregiver and also allow the time for oneself. We understand the critical role caregivers play in helping individuals of all ages stay in their homes and communities.

MetLife found the costs of caregiving on U.S. Businesses to be between $11.4 and $29 billion per year in lost productivity (see attachment) and has an economic value approaching almost $200 billion. "Caregiving is as much a family issue as it is a business issue" continues Olsen. "When a family is dealing with caring for a loved one, the effects spill over into every aspect of one's life, including our work lives. Businesses need to be aware of this and aware of this resource," he says.

Caregivers are everywhere and they are spending between 15-60 hours per week providing care. This can have a devastating impact on businesses who have to deal with the effects of caregiving such as absenteeism, replacing employees, workday interruptions, eldercare crisis, supervisor's time, etc. In addition, caregivers adjust their work schedules due to caregiving responsibilities. They make phone calls at work, arrive late/leave early, take time off during the day, make up work on weekends/evenings, use sick and vacation days, decrease their hours and take a leave of absence.

We also know that there is a link between caregiving and ones health and mental health. Caregiving is very stressful and one can incur their own health problems while caring for another. It has been proven that workers use the health care system more and suffer mental health problems at three times the rate of the average person.

New funding is available to the states to create caregiver support services. Caregivers continue to say that information is what they need the most. Caregiver Assistance News will have a main theme, such as nutrition, equipment and supplies or skin care. Monthly content will also include caregiver self-care tips such as

1. Tip of the Month - "Make your life easier" (Short-cuts of practical solutions to care challenges)
2. Ideas Exchange - "How would you manage this?"
3. Taking Care of Yourself - (Practical techniques for caregiver self-care)
4. Feel Good About Yourself - (Morale boosting information)
5. Cartoon - (Reinforcement of the main theme in cartoon form)
6. Quick Quiz - 5 to10 questions to test and reinforce learning

A sample copy of the inaugural Caregiver Assistance News can be viewed at www.coalitionforaging.org or it can be faxed or mailed to you by calling 1-518-465-0641. The first issue is complimentary. A year's subscription to the Caregiver Assistance News will be only $20. This will include one copy per month mailed or e-mailed directly to you.