This post is about at-home caregivers.
Lisa Krieger, a journalist at the San Jose Mercury News (mercurynews.com), has been doing a wonderful series on the cost of dying. Local Brain Support Network member Lana pointed out Lisa’s most recently installment in the series at the most recent caregiver support group meeting. Lana noted that the most recent installment isn’t really about the cost of dying but addresses the physical, emotional, and financial toll on family caregivers in taking care of loved ones at home. Others at the meeting who had also read the article said it was right on target.
The article mentions Barbara Gruenwald, another member of our local Brain Support Network group. Barbara cares for her husband with Lewy Body Dementia.
There are two interesting graphics in the article, which are worth checking out online. One graphic shows the relative cost of assisted living, nursing home, adult day services, home health aide, and homemaker services. (I’m not really sure they meant to say “home health aide.” I thought the industry called these “personal care aides.”) This graphic shows what a great deal adult day services are. I encourage you all to consider this.
The other graphic shows the ages of “informal caregivers.” We see a very similar breakdown in our local support group — most people are in the 50-64 year old category, and the second most people are in the 35-49 year old category. However, we don’t have many 18-34 year olds in our local support group. We have lots of group members over 65 and some over 75.
If you go to the SJ Mercury News website, there’s a 9-minute video narrated by Lisa Krieger. The video is not as compelling as the article.
Here’s a link to the article:
Cost of Dying: At-home caregivers face challenges, sacrifice
By Lisa M. Krieger
San Jose Mercury News
Posted: 12/02/2012 05:16:55 PM PST
Robin