Embracing Caregiving As A Career
Caregiving is a skill that has never been in more demand than it is now. However, caring for the elderly and those with disabilities isn't just about providing what they need—it's also about having conversations, helping them create plans for their future, and being available 24/7. If you're warmly accepting of these types of responsibilities without knowing where to start or how to advance in this field, there are plenty of resources out there to help you figure it all out.
The American Federation for Aging Research just released a report named "Paying it Forward: The Growing Value of Family Caregiving." The goal is to help individuals and organizations understand how we can better support the caregiving workforce. Speaking with Forbes, AFAR President and CEO, Brian G. Kennedy states that the report is meant to emphasize "the role caregivers play in helping older adults live their best possible lives."
The study highlights the importance of setting up programs that provide relief to caregivers who are providing round-the-clock care to elderly family members. It also recognizes that it's hard for many people to put themselves in a position where they can take time off from work if someone else is needed at home.
Due to the constant stress and strain involved in caregiving, many people don't have opportunities to learn new skills or move around within different industries. A career in caring for others provides a unique opportunity to learn how to use your strengths, whether it's interacting with patients, handling finances or taking over responsibilities when a family member has to step back.
This is a relatively new field that's been growing at an exponential rate. According to Caregiver.com, there are now more than 1.6 million people providing unpaid care for others in the United States alone. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of family caregivers and nurses rose by 12 percent between 2006 and 2010 .
Additionally, a 2012 survey by the Caregiver Resource Center found that more than 43 percent of family caregivers spend more than 20 hours each week providing unpaid care to an older family member or friend. It's clear from these statistics that there is plenty of room for these positions to grow.
If you're interested in becoming a caregiver, it's important to know about the benefits and drawbacks of this role. Whether you're considering this as a potential career path or just looking for more information on how to help someone who is aging or disabled, you should be aware of what this job entails.
So how do you go about finding out more about this field? There are plenty of resources available to help you with your research. The Caregiver Resource Center has a comprehensive list of partnering organizations and support groups that can guide you toward becoming a caregiver.
If you just want the facts on what it takes to become a caregiver, the National Council on Aging has an interesting video that goes into detail on some of the most important issues related to caring for someone who has a long-term disability or illness. You'll also find information about licenses and certifications, insurance options and other resources that will help you make the best decisions possible.
When it comes to understanding the benefits and drawbacks of this position, The Union of Concerned Scientists has put together an infographic that really drives home some of the realities for caregivers. This includes the fact that you may be in a position where you have to quit your job if you care for a family member 24/7. There may also come a time when you won't be able to afford all your expenses, which are typically huge when it comes to caring for someone with disabilities or severe illness.
It's important to note that these responsibilities don't just include providing assistance with daily tasks like medications, bathing and walking—you may also be required to provide transportation if they can no longer drive. You may need to take over financial responsibilities if they no longer have the capacity to pay bills or make wise decisions.
And if you are caring for a child or an adult with disabilities, it's important to be aware of their special needs. You'll want to make sure they have the proper care and resources in place so that they can live their best possible life.
An individual who is caring for someone may also find that they have less time to spend with friends and family, hobbies, and just relaxing. This is not a position you can take lightly because there is no such thing as a typical day for this role.
So is this a field worth exploring? It really comes down to the person. If you have a heart for helping others, then it can be a rewarding experience. The problem is that many people don't realize how challenging this role can be, especially if they are taking care of someone full-time and not getting any relief from others.
Caregivers are among the most vulnerable populations in America today because so few people understand what they need. Organizations like AFAR hope to change this through initiatives that support caregivers across the country and help them find ways to take care of themselves.
Articles Source: http://www.forbes. com/sites/johnlucas/2014/03/03/afar-releases-report-on-caregiving/#5afee78596c4
http://caregiver.com/ways-to-become-a-caregiver
http://www.caregiverresourcecenter.org/pages/Caregiving_Information.htm#Caregivers%20and%20the%20ABCs_2a
http://www.ncaging.org/-National_Council_on_Ageing_Caregivers
http://www.unionofconcernedscientistsimagesblogs.files.wordpress
Conclusion
The study found that the average age of caregivers is 58, and that half of all caregivers exhibited symptoms of depression. Many caregivers find themselves taking on more responsibilities than they can handle, which are often stressful in nature. This leaves them feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. They may also feel tired because their days are so full with duties that take them away from their families and friends.
The additional pressure from needing to care for a loved one full-time can be a burden on the whole family, but especially those closest to the care recipient who may not have the ability to offer help as well as they would like..