Two sobering facts: There were 36 million Americans over age 65 in 2000. It’s projected there will be 87 million by 2050.
There were 34 million family caregivers of elders in 2004. It’s projected there will be 81 million by 2050.
Ready or not, more of us than ever will be providing care for an aging parent or an elderly relative or friend. As caregivers we’ll be faced, at alternate times, with frustration, pain, immense gratification and confusion too, because the challenges of finding help can be overwhelming.
The key is to start preparing now.
1. There’s a wonderful new public broadcast program, “Caring for Your Parents.” The premiere was April 2, but KCET and/or KOCE will most likely rebroadcast the program later. In addition, if you go to the PBS website http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/caringforyourparents/, there’s a ton of information and a Caregivers’ Handbook, just 11 pages, that you can download and use as a reference.
2. Home Instead Senior Care has published a new family guide called the 40 to 70 Rule, designed to help boomers and their loved ones deal with the issue of aging. Based on research by Professor Jake Harwood, PhD of UC, Santa Barbara, the guide focuses on talking with seniors about the challenges of aging in regard to driving, health care, and living independently. There are tips for starting the conversation, and for broaching the subject of care giving services, like those provided by Home Instead. The object is to keep seniors living as independently as possible for as long as possible. Call for a free copy.
3. In addition, eldercare resources are plentiful in LA County:
• The Center for Health Care Rights is a non-profit advocacy group offering free Medicare advice and assistance at 1-800-824-0780.
• The LA Caregiver Resource Center provides information, support and community resources on all aspects of care for loved ones with brain impairments, including stroke, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease at 661-945-4852.
• The SCV Senior Center, also the local Area Agency on Aging, provides support for caregivers, and services for the elderly such as Meals on Wheels and transportation at 661-259-9444.
Charlene Perrone is the co-owner of Home Instead Senior Care for Santa Clarita and the Antelope Valley. For questions about preparing for care giving or for a free copy of the 40-70 Rule, call us at 661-254-8701 or email charlenep@homeinstead.com .