Caregiver Solutions
Do you help an older loved one with house cleaning, shopping, making meals, running errands, rides to appointments, paperwork, or personal care? If any of these tasks sound familiar, you are one of more than 65 million Americans who provide care for an ill or aging family member or friend.
Many people caring for loved ones do not identify as a caregiver. They tend to see themselves as just doing what they are supposed to do as a spouse or child. By recognizing your role as a caregiver, you can better access the tools you need to help yourself and your loved ones live fuller, healthier lives.
Vantage Aging’s Caregivers Solutions can help with support and resources for family caregivers.
Our Story
In November 2021, Vantage Aging initiated Caregiver Solutions as a safe place for family caregivers to connect. Through key community partnerships, we provided virtual resources to help individuals better navigate the many responsibilities of caregiving.
One year later, the Caregiver Solutions program has expanded with funding provided by Direction Home Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities.
Our program works to:
- Empower family caregivers with knowledge and confidence to improve the quality of care.
- Provide family caregivers with the tools they need to maintain balanced and healthy lifestyles.
- Create a safe, welcoming place where those caring for loved ones can connect with shared experiences.
- Reduce stress, burnout, and injuries among caregivers and their loved ones.
Dates and Topics
Why Caregiver Solutions Matters
Aging comes with opportunities to create more meaningful connections and use our experiences to help others. Growing older can also come with unique challenges. When facing challenges as we age, we often lean on those around us for help.
Family caregivers are often the unsung heroes “keeping it all together” across America. They often juggle relationships, the responsibilities of raising children, and work, all while being the advocates for their aging loved ones and making sure they are heard and loved.
Research shows that caregiving can have negative mental health effects for caregivers, as well as physical health consequences. One study shows that 17-35% of family caregivers view their health as fair to poor. And according to the Caregiver Action Network, as much as 70% of caregivers show signs of clinical depression.
Caregiving by the Numbers
- About 34.2 million Americans have provided unpaid care to an adult age 50 or older in the last 12 months.
- At $470 billion in 2013, the value of unpaid caregiving exceeded the value of paid home care and total Medicaid spending in the same year.
- Upwards of 75% of all caregivers are female and may spend as much as 50% more time providing care than males.
- Many caregivers of older adults are themselves growing older. The average caregiver of a recipient 65 years of age or older is 63 years old.
- 9% of caregivers self-identify as LGBTQ+.
- Family caregivers spend an average of 24.4 hours per week providing care.
- There are a total of 5.5 million caregivers caring for former or current military personnel in the U.S.
Vantage Aging is here to let family caregivers that they are not alone. Each month, we connect caregivers with meaningful resources and a support system to provide the best care possible to their loved ones.
How to Get Involved
Join us in supporting our community’s family caregivers. Ask about sponsorship and speaking opportunities for a Caregiver Connections event in 2024. Contact us at 330-253-4597 or info@vantageaging.org.