Family members provide $470B in home care yearly, six times what Medicaid spent

The term “family caregiver” refers to an individual who assists and supports an adult family member with chronic or disabling conditions. There are variations on this definition, but a key point is that most family members don’t recognize themselves as caregivers; they simply “help Mom.”

Caregiving is a role that can sneak up on you, as someone you love needs more help over time — whether navigating health-insurance coverage, paying bills, or preparing healthy meals. Caregivers gradually find themselves doing more and devoting more time to these tasks.

Family caregivers who have their own lives to attend to need all the help they can get; however, about half get none at all.

Although those who provide care may feel they are alone, in reality there are a lot of us out there. According to a November 2016 American Association of Retired Persons Public Policy Institute Report on family caregivers, entitled “Family Caregivers and Managed Long-Term Services and Supports,” about 40 million caregivers provided an estimated 37 billion hours of care to adults with self-care needs in 2013.

The economic impact of family caregiving is enormous. The report goes on, “The economic value of this unpaid help was approximately $470 billion — more than six times the amount ($75 billion) that the Medicaid program spent on all home- and community-based services that year.”

The report also notes, “The emotional, physical, and financial demands of caring for a person with chronic and disabling conditions can take a significant toll; meanwhile, family caregivers often neglect their own health.”

There is a saying that caregiving is a marathon, not a sprint. So taking care of one’s own needs is critical.

Despite our desire to “do it all ourselves,” forming a team of support and care — around your loved one and you — can create a positive difference in the long haul of caregiving. Community Caregivers perhaps can be part of the support team you put in place.

Through our volunteer network of “neighbors helping neighbors,” we provide rides, friendly visits, and help with shopping or errands. We also offer support groups, information, caregiver education, and referrals. All of this is provided without charge. Call us at (518) 456-2898 to find out if we can be of assistance to your family.

Community Caregivers Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that provides non-medical services, including transportation and caregiver support, at no charge to residents of Guilderland, Bethlehem, Altamont, New  Scotland, Berne, Knox, and the city of Albany through a strong volunteer pool of dedicated individuals with a desire to assist their neighbors.

Our funding is derived in part from the Albany County Department for Aging, the New York State Office for the Aging, and the United States. Administration on Aging. To find out more about our services, as well as volunteer opportunities, please visit www.communitycaregivers.org or call us at (518) 456-2898.

Editor’s note: Linda Miller is the Outreach and Education coordinator for Community Caregivers.