| |
Seniors as
Caregivers
In last
week’s column we mentioned about celebrating seniors through the telling
of their stories and their ability to be independent. Since this is
Caregivers’ Week across Ontario, it is fitting that we look at some of the
facts about the contribution of seniors to caring for others in their
communities.
Many seniors make significant contributions to their families and to their
communities. For instance, 69% of seniors provide some type of assistance
to their spouse, children, grandchildren, friends and neighbours. It is
estimated that 30% of seniors contribute some time each week as unpaid
volunteers. (Survey on Ageing and Independence, Statistics Canada).
More than 90% of seniors live in a private household rather than a care
facility. For those who may have an illness or long-term health problem,
the responsibility for care often falls on a spouse or family member.
Do you know a senior who is caring for a loved one? Perhaps its your own
mother caring for your father who has suffered a stroke or your aunt
caring for her adult son with a disability or a neighbour caring for his
wife who has Alzheimer Disease. If you look around your community, I’m
sure you will realize just how many seniors are looking after each other.
For many seniors, caregiving is a long-term commitment; participants in a
British Columbia study had been providing care for an average of 7.8
years. Seniors who are
caregiving need to be
supported so that their own health does not deteriorate. One of the most
frequent complaints was not being able to get enough sleep. Although
caregivers of all ages share feelings of grief, anger, fear, and worry,
there are also joys.
The greatest rewards cited by caregivers are seeing the person they care
for happy and
being able to help
them. In celebration of Caregivers Week here are some things you can do
for a caregiver.
-
Listening is the most important thing.
- Give
the caregiver a break by offering to stay with their loved one.
-
Invite the caregiver to go out.
-
Offer specific help such as shopping or yard work.
- Be
supportive of decisions the caregiver makes.
For
information contact Karen at Caregivers Support Network 646-7677 or
1-800-777-2205.
Caregiver
Meetings:
|
|
