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Caring For Generations

November is National Caregivers Month

On Behalf of | Nov 22, 2017 | Elder law

WHEREAS, over 90 million Americans today are family caregivers for their loved ones; and

WHEREAS, a large number of them are finding themselves providing care 24 hours a day/7 days a week; and

WHEREAS, although caregiving can be a rewarding experience, it is not without its consequences, such as stress, poor health, and caregiver burnout, and

WHEREAS, with the responsibility of family caregivers in our country growing every year, it is even more essential to encourage these heroes to take some time for respite so they may continue their mission of providing that loving care that only they can provide…

Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Mayor/Governor of City/State, does hereby recognize November 2017 as National Family Caregivers Month”. 
“No one necessarily sets out to become a caregiver. It often just happens over time”, an AARP story published in the Indianapolis Star begins. How well we know, as our estate planning clients share their own stories with us.  Still some of the statistics provided by AARP were startling, even to our attorneys:

  • There are 45 million family caregivers in America
  • In Indiana, nearly 840,000 Hoosiers care for older parents, spouses, and children with disabilities
  • Hoosiers who provide unpaid care for a loved one are spending a combined 779 million hours a year doing so.
  • Today 40% of caregivers are male, 60% female.

For adult children who are unable to serve as caregivers themselves, the first two challenges facing children whose parents are in need of help include finding and hiring caregivers, then monitoring to be sure that the needed care is being provided, and in a kind, considerate way.  
The third challenge is the high cost of long term care. With proper advance planning, the attorneys at Geyer & Associates can help provide your loved one with proper care while helping your family avoid financial ruin.

We were very happy that, effective January of 2016, Indiana passed the CARE Act, requiring hospitals to issue “at home care plans” to at home caregivers and to help educate lay caregivers. Now, we are following proposals for national legislation called RAISE, the Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage Family Caregivers Act, which would create an advisory council of representatives from the private and public sectors, including family caregivers, older adults and people with disabilities, health care providers, employers, state and local officials, and others to make recommendations regarding the national strategy.

Let’s all remember to salute family caregivers in November – and year round!