Family Caregiving Challenges
Adele Uphaus-Conner of The Free Lance-Star wrote a compelling article on the financial and emotional cost of family caregiving in Fredericksburg
In Uphaus-Conner's article, she tells the story of a local family caregiver, James Perkins, who was honored as Caregiver of the Year last year by the local group Partners in Aging. James' story tells how he couldn't care for his parents if he didn’t care for himself. When the emotional toll impacted James' health, it meant that James stopped going to see his elderly parents every day, and not staying for too long when he does go. James' story is compelling and reminds all caregivers to take care of themselves first.
Uphaus-Conners' article specifically points out the challenges families face when caring for older relatives. Here are some of the caregiving facts she points out:
"In Virginia, family caregivers such as Perkins—people who assist their older relatives living with chronic, disabling or serious health conditions—provided an estimated $11.2 billion in unpaid care in 2017, according to the AARP report “Valuing the Invaluable,” which came out last year."
"More than 1 million family caregivers in the state provided 870 million hours of care to their aging or disabled parents, spouses or other close relatives."
"Caregivers provide a broad range of assistance, from help with personal care and daily living activities—such as bathing, dressing, paying bills and preparing meals—to administering medication, treating wounds, managing medical equipment, advocating for their loved ones during medical appointments or hospitalizations, and locating and arranging outside services."
"AARP estimated the value of one hour of care by averaging the state minimum wage, the median wage of a home health care aide and the median private cost of hiring a home health aide. In Virginia, it came to $12.81 an hour."
"In the Fredericksburg area, rent at an assisted living facility can cost between $4,000 and $8,000 per month" according to Patricia Holland, executive director of Healthy Generations Agency on Aging, a local nonprofit."
Click here to read full article
Uphaus-Conners highlights the need for caregiver support in Fredericksburg and for caregivers to be mindful of their own health when caring for others. BrightStar Care supports family caregivers by providing respite care and other home care services to lighten a busy caregiver's load. Home care from BrightStar Care will help seniors and family caregivers manage the daily living activities of their loved one. We provide a needed break so family caregivers can take care of themselves.
BrightStar Care provides 24/7 Care to Hourly Respite Care
BrightStar Care Fredericksburg & Springfield provides care around the clock and a full continuum of private duty home health care services, including companionship, personal care, transportation, medication assistance, and skilled nursing. We proudly serve Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Woodbridge, Springfield, Burke, Fairfax Station, and Lorton areas.
For more information on how BrightStar Care supports seniors and families, and to learn more about our local team of caregivers, skilled healthcare professionals, and home health care support for Fredericksburg families and businesses – Please Click Here