Don’t Do That! Things to Avoid as a Caregiver
If you find yourself suddenly in the role of being a caregiver, you must consider your needs and those of the care recipient. Caregiving is physically and emotionally demanding. What happens when you need care decades from now?
You might not expect it, but you often become a caregiver for a parent or loved one with little notice. The timing may not be good; you have your career, your family, other responsibilities. Suddenly, a crisis occurs, and you must become a caregiver despite not being prepared or trained.
Yes, being a family caregiver isn't easy. It is physically demanding. It can be very emotional as well. Many family caregivers suffer from anxiety and other forms of depression. The pressure of balancing the needs of being a caregiver with your career and family is overwhelming for many people.
What to do? There are a few things you do not want to do.
Things to Not Do as a Caregiver
In a study published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, "Quality of life: impact of chronic illness on the partner," the authors stated: "… the most striking research finding is a tendency for the partner's quality of life to be worse than that of the patient."
Writing in KevinMD.com, Toni Bernhard the author of How to Be Sick: Your Pocket Companion and other books, points out six things you should not do as a caregiver. Here are two of the six:
- DO NOT shy away from sharing with others that you've become a caregiver. The reluctance to tell others about this life-changing, high-stress event is particularly prevalent among men. Toni writes it's good to share your experience noting the cliché, "Troubles shared are troubles halved."
- DO NOT pretend that everything is like it used to be; you need time to grieve the loss of your old life. Toni writes that there is a drastic change in your life becoming a caregiver, and it can be a shock.
Your Future – Is Your Family Ready?
If you have not become a caregiver, you might in the future. Think for a moment about how your need for long-term health care would impact your family in the future. What would the consequences be on your loved ones if they had to become your caregiver?
You cannot depend on family and your finances; are you prepared to pay for the high costs of paid care services? The costs of long-term care services and supports are expensive and continue to increase every year.
The LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator shows you these costs, both for today and in the future. You need a plan, and you need a plan now - before your health changes.
For many Americans, affordable Long-Term Care Insurance is the solution. You can avoid dependency on your family and safeguard income and assets from the costs and burdens of getting older.
Be sure to seek professional assistance when you start researching available options. An experienced and trusted Long-Term Care Insurance specialist will help you navigate the options and factor your age, health, and family history in finding the most affordable and comprehensive options.
As for your role of being a caregiver - be sure you seek help from your family and friends. Don't place the entire responsibility on yourself. It is not good for you, as the caregiver - nor is it good for the person you are caring for - the care recipient.
About the Author
An LTC News author focusing on long-term care and aging.
James Kelly
Contributor since August 21st, 2017
Editor's Note
Being prepared for future declining health and aging is vital to your retirement planning. People need long-term health care due to illnesses, accidents, or the consequences of aging. The costs of long-term health care services are rising at an alarming rate due to increasing demand and high labor costs.
Part of the problem is health insurance and Medicare, including supplements, will not pay for most of these long-term care costs. While Medicaid will pay for long-term health care, you must have little or no income and assets to qualify for those benefits.
There are only a few solutions. You could depend on family caregivers (often a daughter or daughter-in-law), spend your income and savings on professional care, or add an affordable Long-Term Care Insurance policy to your retirement plan.
LTC Insurance gives you guaranteed tax-free benefits that give you access to your choice of quality care services, including in-home care. Plus, most policies include professional case management to help your family develop a plan of care and find quality care providers.
Long-term care costs are expensive, and family caregivers face physical and emotional burdens. LTC Insurance is an easy and affordable solution but don't delay since policies are medically underwritten. Most people obtain coverage in their 50s.
Planning Tools and Resources on LTC NEWS
You can find many tools and resources on LTC NEWS to assist you in your research for a planning solution or help your family find the appropriate care for a loved one at the time of crisis.
To help you plan the costs and burdens of changing health and aging, LTC NEWS has put in place several resources, including:
- The LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator will show you the current and future cost of long-term health care services where you live. Plus, each state has vital state-specific information you should know - Cost of Care Calculator - Choose Your State | LTC News
- The Ultimate Long-Term Care Guide is an outstanding read to help you get a good overview of the topic area.
- Compare the major insurance companies that offer Long-Term Care Insurance products here - Top Insurers for Long-Term Care Insurance | LTC News.
- A detailed tax guide that includes available tax incentives can be found by reviewing the Long-Term Care Tax Benefits Guide.
Find all the resources on LTC NEWS - Resources for Long-Term Care Planning | LTC News.
Seek Professional Guidance
Insurance rates are regulated, so no insurance agent, agency, or financial advisor can give you special deals. However, insurance companies' premiums vary over 100% for the same coverage.
Experts suggest using a qualified Long-Term Care Insurance specialist to help you navigate the many options available to you and your family.
A specialist who works with the top companies can match your age, health, family history, and other factors and find you the best coverage at the best value. A specialist will save you money, and you will have peace of mind knowing they are making the appropriate recommendations - Work With a Specialist | LTC News.
Finding Quality Care for Mom or Dad
Start by reading our guides -
- Finding Quality In-Home Care | LTC News
- Adult Day Care Centers (ADCCs) | LTC News
- Assisted Living and Memory Care Facilities | LTC News
- Finding a Quality Nursing Home | LTC News
If they are lucky enough to own a Long-Term Care Insurance policy, be sure they use it. Sometimes families wait, thinking they can save the benefits for a rainy day. Waiting on using available Long-Term Care Insurance benefits is not a wise idea.
Get Help in Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim
Quality care obtained early will help provide a better quality of life and reduce the risk of a deep decline and facility care. If you need help in starting the process of a Long-Term Care Insurance claim, LTC NEWS can help.
LTC NEWS provides free assistance with no obligation to help you or a loved one complete the claims process with a Long-Term Care Insurance policy. We have teamed up with Amada Senior Care, who will do all the work, free with no obligation.
You can also get support in finding quality caregivers and get recommendations for a proper care plan, whether a person has a policy or not. - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim | LTC News.
Benefits of Reverse Mortgages
Today's reverse mortgages for those aged 62 and older could be an ideal resource to fund a Long-Term Care Insurance policy OR even provide money to pay for care if you, or a loved one, already needs help and assistance.
Some people have much of their savings invested in their homes. With today's reverse mortgages, you can find ways to fund care solutions, care itself, even help with cash flow during your retirement.
Learn more by asking questions to an expert. LTC NEWS columnist and host of the TV Show "62 Who Knew" will answer your questions regarding caregiving, aging, health, retirement planning, long-term care, and reverse mortgages.
- Just "Ask Mike." - Reverse Mortgages | LTC News.
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You can write a story or ongoing column for LTC NEWS. You can write about many topics, including aging, caregiving, health, lifestyle, retirement planning, and long-term care, to name a few.
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Email your story idea or article: newsroom@ltcnews.com - LTC News Contributors | LTC News
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