Family Caregivers Abusing Alcohol in Growing Numbers
As more families face a crisis with a parent needing long-term health care, many find themselves in the role of being a caregiver. The stress is leading them to drinking.
Life is stressful. When adults must become caregivers for an older parent, the job of being a caregiver puts a physical and emotional toll on both the caregiver and the caregiver's family.
According to the American Psychological Association, nearly 1 in 4 American adults are drinking more because of COVID-19 related stress. Typically, more women than men become caregivers, and studies have found that women, more than men, have increased their drinking to excess.
Caregiving Leads to Caregiver Health Issues
The stress and pressure of being a caregiver bring many health problems. These health issues include high blood pressure, liver disease, and alcohol and drug dependency. Many studies over the years have linked caregiver stress and increased alcohol use.
If you or a loved one is currently providing in-home care for an older parent or family member paying attention to increased alcohol use is essential. Are you or your loved one stressed out physically and mentally because of their role of being a long-term care caregiver? What is too much if they are drinking?
The AARP reviewed the problem, which is a growing issue nationwide.
Growing Aging Problem
The problem of aging and long-term care is not going away. The best way to address the future need for long-term health care and its impact on family and finances is to plan well before you get old and experience changing health and cognitive decline.
Many American families have purchased Long-Term Care Insurance. These affordable insurance policies offer guaranteed tax-free benefits that will pay for your choice of quality care either at home or in a facility.
LTC Insurance will not only safeguard income and assets from the costs of long-term health care. It will give your loved ones the time to be family and reduce their stress and burden.
You can take proactive action now, before retirement, to protect assets and ease family stress. Many experts suggest obtaining coverage in your 40s or 50s when you will still have reasonably good health and premiums are at their lowest.
Long-Term Care Costs Increasing Due to Higher Demand
According to the LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator, the cost of long-term care services is getting more expensive every year, with costs varying depending on where you live.
Several types of plans are available, so be sure to seek the advice of a qualified and experienced Long-Term Care Insurance specialist. A general insurance agent or financial advisor will not typically work with all the major companies or even be certified in the state partnership programs 45 states participate in.
The action you take now will benefit you and your family in the decades ahead.
About the Author
An LTC News author focusing on long-term care and aging.
James Kelly
Contributor since August 21st, 2017
Editor's Note
Look for your state on the LTC NEWS cost of care calculator. You can find the current and future cost of long-term care services in your area.
If you think you will move after you retire, be sure you review the costs of care anywhere in the country. You will also find available tax incentives and the availability of Long-Term Care Partnership policies that provide additional dollar-for-dollar asset protection.
Seek professional help when shopping for the best policy. Find a trusted and experienced Long-Term Care specialist.
Don't wait. It is your good health today that allows you to plan. Premiums can vary over 100% between insurance companies for the same benefits. However, underwriting criteria is different with every company. This is where a specialist can help match you with the best coverage at the best value.
