Depending on the source, there are anywhere from 40 million to 53 million family caregivers in the United States.

They are the reason November has been designated National Family Caregivers Month. It is an opportunity to honor the people who give their time to take care of elderly or disabled family members, friends, and neighbors who can’t care for themselves. It is unpaid, tiring, and often thankless work.

Many caregivers have their own jobs and lives, and experience conflicts between competing responsibilities. Caregiving has also been shown to take a toll on emotional, physical, and financial well-being. Nearly half of all caregivers are over 50 and they end up suffering a decline in their own physical and mental health. Coordinated support services can reduce caregiver depression, anxiety and stress, and lessen the need for costly institutional care.

Tips for Family Caregivers

Family caregivers are often forced into their situations because of circumstances. Institutional or professional in-home care is too costly, so a family member takes it upon themselves to do the work. It can lead to resentment and burnout so they should consider the following:

1. Seek support from other caregivers. There are plenty of people dealing with the same situations.
2. Take care of your own health, otherwise you can’t care for a loved one.
3. Accept offers of help and make suggestions about ways people can help.
4. Learn to effectively communicate with doctors.
5. Take frequent breaks from the hard work of caregiving.
6. Be alert for signs of depression and get the help you need.
7. Be open to new technologies to help with caring for a loved one.
8. Keep medical information organized and up to date.
9. Keep legal documents organized.
10. You are doing an extremely difficult job, so give yourself credit.

Keeping Seniors Healthy at Home

The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, or PACE, was established by Medicare to help independent seniors with complex medical needs. The program helps participants avoid nursing homes and instead, receive the care and services necessary to help them stay safe, comfortable, and healthy living in their own home.

PACE offers care coordination, transportation, social services, and meals, all in a positive, comfortable environment. It’s health care that puts the focus on care, connecting seniors with peers in their community as well as the PACE staff who are committed to treating participants with dignity, respect, and compassion.

Since 1996, PACE has been an essential pillar of success for AltaMed. In fact, AltaMed was California’s first licensed and accredited PACE program. The AltaMed PACE program has grown to 11 centers, serving more than 4,000 seniors each year.

PACE is for independent seniors (55+) who may need assistance in performing activities of daily living but can still live in their homes and navigate their communities with the help of PACE services. Medicare-eligible seniors who live in the PACE service area are encouraged to apply.

To get started, click here or call: (855) 252-PACE or (855) 252-7223.