As the Baby Boomer generation moves into their retirement years, the population of older Americans (age 65 and older) is increasing at a heretofore unseen rate. In fact, experts tell us that by the year 2050, older Americans will outnumber their younger counterparts (age 21 and younger) for the first time in history. Another reason why we have so many older people today than in years past is that the average life expectancy has almost doubled in the last century. Although Americans may be living longer, a way to stop the natural aging process as yet to be discovered. The increase in the number of older Americans has caused a corresponding increase in the number of family members caring for them. Because we understand many of the challenges caregivers face, the Nashua elder law attorneys at DeBruyckere Law Office put together the following tips for caregivers.
The “Greying of America” — Facts and Figures
The phrase “the greying of America” evolved as a way to point out the fact that the older demographic in the United States is getting bigger at an astounding rate – and experts tell us the population increase shows no signs of slowing down for the next several decades. Along with there being more older Americans than ever before, Americans are also living much longer than they did just 100 years ago. Although we are living longer, that often means living with the physical and mental repercussions of the natural ageing process for longer. Consider the following:
- 46 million people age 65 and over lived in the United States in 2014, accounting for 15 percent of the total population.
- In 2030, the number and proportion of older Americans are expected to grow to 74 million, representing nearly 21 percent of the total U.S. population.
- Although spouses represented 21 percent of informal caregivers, they provided more than 31 percent of the total hours of care.
- Currently, about 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s.
- By 2050, experts believe as many as 16 million people may be living with Alzheimer’s disease.
- 15 million people provide unpaid care to patients with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
- Caregivers provide over 18 billion hours of care each year
- Although spouses represented 21 percent of informal caregivers, they provided more than 31 percent of the total hours of care.
Tips for Caregivers from Nashua Elder Law Attorneys
Whether you are an adult child, grandchild, another family member, or close friend, providing regular caregiver services to an older individual can be physically, financially, and mentally draining. The following tips may help:
- Ask for help when you need it. Reach out to other family members or friends when you feel as though you cannot handle the job alone. In Massachusetts, the Office of Elder Affairs also has a “Caregiver Support” component that offers a wealth of information and options for caregivers who need help.
- Take time out for yourself. Providing care to a loved one with Alzheimer’s, or a similar condition, can be a full-time job; however, people who work full-time jobs are entitled to time off. You will find that taking that time off to do something just for you, such as get your hair done, play a game of golf, or go to a movie, will rejuvenate you and make you a better caregiver to your loved one.
- Stay on top of your own health. It is crucial that you watch your own physical and mental health because you cannot continue to help your loved one if your own physical and/or mental health causes you to fall apart.
- Recognize when it is time to consider long-term care. The time may come when you simply cannot provide the level of care your loved one needs despite your desire to continue doing so. Recognizing that long-term care may be needed in the near future is important because it gives everyone involved plenty of time to evaluate potential facilities and find the one that is right for your loved one.
Contact Nashua ELder Law Attorneys
For more information, please download our FREE estate planning worksheet. If you have additional questions or concerns about being a caregiver, or about any other elder law concerns, contact the experienced New Hampshire elder law attorneys at DeBruyckere Law Offices by calling (603) 894-4141 to schedule an appointment.
Daniel DeBruyckere
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