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Just like there are many types of doctors and other health care professionals and aides, there is a variety of caregivers. We take a look here at the many kinds of caregivers who may assist someone with their activities of daily living as an individual or part of a team.

Family Caregivers: Statistics year after year tell us that the typical family caregiver is a middle-aged woman caring for an elderly parent (or parent-in-law), but of course that does not tell the whole story. A spouse may become a caregiver, a college-age grandchild may become a caregiver, a dear friend and neighbor who feels like family may be doing some caregiving, and so on. There might be several family members pitching in to help out, or a whole family may essentially become caregivers if a loved one moves in when help is needed. While this is usually an unpaid role, in some states there is Medicaid reimbursement for family caregivers.

Non-medical in-home caregivers: A professionally-trained caregiver can help someone in their own home-including if that home is in a facility without a staff of caregivers for each individual-with many daily tasks to help ensure their physical safety and general well-being. Some non-medical in-home caregivers might be Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), or Registered Nurses (RNs), depending on local regulations. These caregivers might help someone safely get in and out of the shower, provide medication reminders, safely assist with lifting someone from a bed or chair, be part of meal preparation, and much more. These caregivers can also become companions who are there to listen, enjoy a game or activity together, talk about the day's news, and in other ways be a friend while also providing the care needed. These caregivers can simultaneously be providing respite care for beleaguered family caregivers who need to take care of themselves.

Home Health Care Caregivers: Home health is not the same thing as home care and is usually prescribed by a physician for a short-term medical need, such a physical therapy or occupational therapy. A non-medical in-home caregiver might help an individual get ready for their home health care appointment by assisting with dressing or providing transportation to the office.

Hospice Caregivers: Hospice care specifics will vary depending on the organization and perhaps even state regulations, but expect this to supplement the care of daily activities rather than rely on it for all caregiving needs.

Virtual Caregiving: When it's not safe for people to receive caregivers into their living space, virtual care can be set up, or a professional caregiver taking the necessary safety precautions can be there to assist with technology so an individual can connect with a medical provider or a family member who cannot be there in person. Virtual visits can be a sort of companion caregiving benefit too, as the client can have someone to talk with about their concerns or joys of the day.
Adult Day Services: Not everyone thrives in their home environment and there can be some benefit to spending time at a local adult day services center, where there are activities and social opportunities for people over age 65, and possible physical exercise options. A family or non-medical in-home caregiver might be of help with grooming and transportation before and after these outings.
Other types of caregiving: While non-medical caregivers can do some light housekeeping, it can be an option to hire people trained in just house cleaning to keep a home pleasant and safe for those who are not up to these routine chores. For people who are living with dementia, experts recommend services be paired with someone who has training in dementia care. Meals on Wheels is a volunteer organization that is widely available and can be paired with other types of caregiving.

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What Are The Different Types of Caregivers?

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Just like there are many types of doctors and other health care professionals and aides, there is a variety of caregivers. We take a look here at the many kinds of caregivers who may assist someone with their activities of daily living as an individual or part of a team.

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When you acknowledge your feelings, you can then discover creative ways to express and handle them, which will help you and the care recipient cope more effectively moving forward.

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Whether you become a caregiver gradually or all of sudden due to a crisis, or whether you are a caregiver willingly or by default, many emotions surface when you take on the job of caregiving. Some of these feelings happen right away and some don't surface until you have been caregiving for awhile. Whatever your situation, it is important to remember that you, too, are important. All of your emotions, good and bad, about caregiving are not only allowed, but valid and important.

Many feelings come up when you are caring for someone day in and day out. Many caregivers set out saying, "This won't happen to me. I love my mother, father, husband, wife, sister, brother, friend, etc." But after awhile, the "negative" emotions that we tend to want to bury or pretend we aren't feeling come up. Caregivers are often reluctant to express these negative feelings for fear they will be judged by others (or judge themselves) or don't want to burden others with their problems.

If you don't deal with ALL of your emotions, they can be like a two-year-old who wants your attention: they will keep tugging at you until you stop and acknowledge them. Not paying attention to your feelings can lead to poor sleep, illness, trouble coping, stress eating, substance abuse, etc. When you admit to your feelings, you can then find productive ways to express them and deal with them, so that you and the care receiver can cope better in the future.

This fact sheet will identify some of the common, often hard to admit, feelings that caregivers experience. Once identified, suggestions for how you might better cope with these feelings are offered.

If only we were perfect we would not feel . . .

Ambivalence

Coping: Allow yourself to feel both sets of feelings. Everyone has these feelings sometimes. Neither the bad feelings nor the good ones will last forever.

Anger

How often have you "lost it" while providing care? Or felt like you were on your last nerve? Anger and frustration are a normal part of being around someone who needs help on an ongoing basis and who might not be accepting of help. Caring for someone with dementia, in particular, can be even harder, as the care receiver can be irrational and combative. It's not always possible to be in perfect control of your emotions. Anger "just comes out" sometimes.

Coping: Forgive yourself. Find constructive ways to express yourself, learn to walk away and give yourself a "time out." Identify supportive people you can talk to who will listen as you vent about the things that happened that day.

Anxiety

Feeling like things are out of control and not knowing how to bring them back into control often produces feelings of anxiousness. Anxiety can emerge as a short fuse, the impulse to run away, not sleeping, heart palpitations, or the urge to cry.

Coping: Pay attention to your anxiety-it is our body's early warning system that something isn't right. When you feel anxious: Stop. Breathe. Keep breathing. Pray. Meditate. Make some tea. Anything that will give you a break from what is happening in the moment.

Boredom

It is easy to become bored when you are stuck at home taking care of someone else and not doing things that fulfill your own wants and needs. And by the end of the day, you are often too tired to pursue something of interest to you.

Coping: Respite can help. Getting a break from caregiving and having some time for yourself will not only increase your patience and resilience but will give you a chance to do something that is meaningful to you, whether it is socializing, going for a walk, or reading a good book.

Crankiness, Irritability

When tired and stressed, it is harder to stay in control of the things we say and feel. Feelings can go up and down very rapidly. We can lash out at the littlest thing because we have no reserve.

Coping: If you find yourself feeling cranky and irritable, you probably need a break.You also may need to get some rest, as we are in less control when tired. Often we will turn to alcohol or our favorite junk food to reward ourselves when feeling this way. It's more beneficial to keep a journal or talk with a friend or professional to let off steam.

Depression/Sadness

As a caregiver, you are at risk for depression. Sometimes this is feeling hopeless or helpless, the inability to sleep, or trouble getting up and facing the day. And sometimes it makes you want to cry. (See FCA fact sheet Depression and Caregiving.)

Coping: Depression is treatable and should be taken seriously. Professional help is available. Talk to your physician if you think you might be depressed, join a caregiver support group, find a counselor who understands caregiving, and ask for help from friends and family. Exercise. Moving your body is a proven way to relieve some of the symptoms of depression.

Disgust

Having to help toilet someone can be too intimate an experience for many caregivers. If the care receiver is incontinent of stool as well as urine, then changing an adult diaper can be nauseating and repulsive. Having to clean the private body parts of someone, like a parent, can be unnerving and uncomfortable. Watching someone eat sloppily or not care for personal appearance, or having to clean up vomit can also cause feelings of disgust.

Coping: The hardest thing about accepting our revulsion to these things is that the care receiver is not in control of these behaviors. But sometimes we think they are doing it on purpose just to get to us. Or we feel guilty because we think we should be accepting but we are not. Finding ways to minimize your need to do personal care tasks including incontinence care is vital to weathering your caregiver journey, which could stretch on for years. Hire an attendant to do routine care or have someone from the family do these things who might cope better. Also, learn tricks to make tasks easier (e.g. during meal times consider, using a spoon that is designed to be spill resistant.)

An occupational therapist can help you find this tool and other tools to make meal time easier and more enjoyable for both of you. It's important to know that when it comes to incontinence, you are not alone. Incontinence is one of the main reasons given for placing someone in a facility. There are resources to aid you in dealing with bathroom problems, such as a webinar entitled Moving Beyond the Leakages: Practical Strategies to Manage Incontinence, and a segment from our Caregiver College Video Series on our Video Channel. (Both of these resources are in the Caregiver Education section on our website.)

Embarrassment

Does your care receiver make impolite comments when you are out in public? Does he or she need to use the restroom right away and make a scene as you try to find one? Does he or she refuse to bathe and now have body odor? It is easy for us to feel responsible for the behavior of someone else and feel like it is our fault when these things happen.

Coping: Some people create cards (similar to business cards) which read, "My loved one has dementia and can no longer control their behavior" that they hand out to those around them when they are having trouble, especially in restaurants. Some people just stop leaving the house because this is such a difficult problem to manage, it's easier to stay home. Others have friends, family members, or an attendant accompany them when they go out to offer assistance, when needed.

Fear

What if something happens? Will I be able to cope? Will I feel guilty? Am I responsible for things that go wrong? Caregivers take on a huge amount of responsibility, not only for the day to day care of the care receiver, but also for all the other things that "might" happen while being a caregiver. Scaring ourselves about the "what ifs" can be paralyzing and keep us from enjoying the "what is."

Coping: It is important to have contingency plans. So, it might make sense to have a back up caregiver in mind in case something should happen to you, or to think about how you would handle predictable medical emergencies based on what disabilities your care receiver has. When you get scared, it is often helpful to talk to someone who knows your situation and can give you perspective and calm your fears.

Frustration

Frustration is part of many other feelings, such as ambivalence, anger, and impatience. Sometimes, as a caregiver, you feel that you can't do anything right or that things just don't go as planned no matter what you do or how hard you try. And if you are tired, you are more likely to get frustrated. Frustration may lead to stress eating, substance abuse, and a higher likelihood of losing your temper.

Coping: Acknowledge how frustrating caregiving can be. Join a support group to learn the tricks other caregivers have learned to make coping easier. Get breaks from caregiving so you have time for YOU and a chance to refresh your energy. Exercise. Sleep.

Grief

Watching the care receiver decline, not being able to do things that used to be easy and natural is sad. We also grieve for the care receiver, the person who used to be and our relationship with that person. We often need to grieve the loss we are experiencing on a daily basis or it will come out as something else.

Sometimes creating a ritual can be helpful. One caregiver would write on a piece of paper the things her husband could no longer do, then go to the ocean and throw the pieces in the water as a way of letting go. We tend to want to avoid the sadness that comes with grief, but allowing ourselves to feel (it) promotes healing. (See FCA fact sheet Grief and Loss.)

Guilt

Guilt is the feeling we have when we do something wrong. Guilt in caring for care receivers comes in many forms. There is guilt over not having done enough to have prevented them from getting sick in the first place. There is guilt over feeling like you want this to end. Or guilt over having been impatient with your care receiver too much. There is guilt over not loving or even liking the care receiver at times. There is guilt over not doing enough for the care receiver or not doing a good enough job as a caregiver. And if the care receiver falls or something else happens, there is guilt about it being your fault that it happened. And sometimes caregivers feel guilty about thinking of their own needs and see themselves as selfish, especially if they should do something like go to a movie or out to lunch with a friend.

Coping: You need permission to forgive yourself. You can't be perfect 24/7. It's impossible to be in perfect control of how you feel at all times. We all carry around a lot of "shoulds," such as "No one will do as good of a job as I do, so I have to be here all the time." Or "If I leave and something happens, I will never forgive myself." Consider changing guilt into regret, "I'm in a difficult situation and I have to make difficult decisions sometimes." "I regret that I am human and get impatient sometimes." "I am dong the best I can even though things go wrong from time to time and I regret that I am not perfect."

Impatience

How difficult is it to get your care receiver up in the morning? How about up, dressed, given breakfast and to their doctor's appointment all before 10 a.m.? And you have other things to accomplish that day. All this and the care receiver is acting unhelpful and moving slowly. Perhaps the care receiver refuses to use his walker even though he has fallen many times and the doctor and physical therapist have emphasized he always needs to use it. It is understandable that you would get impatient at times.

Coping: Forgive yourself. When tired, frustrated, and trying to keep things under control, it's natural to want to speed up and have compliance from the care receiver to keep them safe and healthy. So, first, slow down. Leave a lot of time to accomplish tasks. Leave a LOT of time. Control the environment as much as you can, but know you can't always prevent your father from taking off without his walker. Create a list of the things you are in control of and are not. Understand what you can and cannot control.

Jealousy

Do you sometimes feel jealous of your friends who are able to go out and do things that you can no longer do, because of your caregiving responsibilities? Are you jealous of your siblings who are not doing their share to help? Do you feel jealous of a friend whose parent died quickly and easily while you take care of a parent who has had dementia for many years? Are we jealous of someone who got a big inheritance since we are struggling to pay bills and to be a good caregiver? We often don't admit to this feeling, because we have always been told not to be jealous. But that doesn't mean that we don't, in fact, feel jealous from time to time, of those who have it easier or better than us.

Coping: It's okay to admit to being jealous. Because things are not fair, we often have flashes of resentment and envy at other people's good fortune compared to our own. Jealousy is a problem when we wallow in it and prevent ourselves from enjoying the things we DO have. Focus on what you do have, whatever that may be, and find a place in your heart for gratitude.

Lack of Appreciation

Most of us do not want to be dependent on someone else. Learning to accept help is hard. So, the care receiver is often pushing away our attempts to be helpful and caring. If someone has dementia, this problem is often much worse. And we get our feelings hurt because the care receiver does not thank us or even see how much we are giving up in order to care for them.

Coping: Sometimes we have to give ourselves our own pat on the back. Writing in a journal about the things you do each day might help you to appreciate how much you give and how much you do. Having a support group or a group of friends/family to cheer you on is important, and both comforting and necessary to remain resilient through your caregiving journey.

Loneliness

The longer you are a caregiver, the more isolated you become. With no one to talk to day in and day out except the care receiver, it is easy to lose a sense of yourself. Friends stop calling since we are no longer available and we hesitate to call them because we know "they don't want to hear about it any more" or "I have nothing to talk about because my life is all about caregiving."

Coping: Find ways to get out of the house and involved in something other than caregiving. Learn about resources from your local Area Agency on Aging about respite programs or day care programs that will allow you to get a much-needed and well-deserved break. No one can do this job alone. Look at your wider circle of support-faith community, neighbors, friends, distant relatives, etc. to see where you might get some nurturing for you.

Loss

Caregivers experience many losses, some of which have already been mentioned: loss of control, loss of independence, loss of income, loss of your best friend, loss of the future, loss of a sense of yourself. Loss leads to grief and depression.

Identifying your losses can help you to cope with them. For each of us, the losses will be different. When you know what you are feeling, you will be able to look at the loss and think about what might work for you to help you deal with it. (See FCA fact sheet Caregiving and Ambiguous Loss.)

Resentment

When put in a situation not of our choosing, it's not uncommon to feel negative and resentful. Perhaps you have siblings who are not helping provide care or maybe you are an only child, became the caregiver by default, and feel you have very little desire or support to offer care. Little things easily become big things when we feel unappreciated and unacknowledged. And feeling like you have to do it all, and do it all by yourself, is a guaranteed way to feel resentment.

Family situations and dynamics can be a real challenge. Having help from family may make your situation easier, but sometimes family tensions make it even harder to get help. (See FCA Fact Sheet Caregiving with Your Siblings.) The more help and support you accept, the easier it will be to let go of feeling burdened and resentful of those who are not doing their share. If family tensions are getting in the way, it could also help you to refer to the FCA fact sheet Holding a Family Meeting. If you can't get help from the people you think should be offering it, then you need to broaden your circle of people to include those who can and will help. It is easy to forget about the good things that have happened or are happening when we only focus on the negative.

Tiredness

As a caregiver, how often do you get the full eight hours of sleep they always say you need? Sleep is often postponed while you grab a few minutes of alone time after the care receiver goes to bed. Sleep is often disturbed because the care receiver gets up at night and needs help going to the bathroom or being re-directed back to bed. Sleep is often disturbed because you can't fall asleep or stay asleep because you are worrying about all the stressors that come with being a caregiver.

Sleep has to be put on the priority list. Lack of sleep leads to obesity, illness, crankiness, impatience, inefficiency in accomplishing tasks, and a state of mental fogginess among other issues. If you are having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep not related to direct caregiving, talk to your physician. If you are having trouble sleeping due to caregiving problems, talk to the care receiver's physician. There are ways to help both of you to get the rest you need. As a caregiver, you do amazing work caring for others in need. But as a caregiver, you also need to think about yourself. (See FCA fact sheet Taking Care of YOU: Self Care for Family Caregivers, and also the fact sheet Caregiver Health.) Just pushing through each day will eventually wear you out and cause you to burn out. Emotional issues can weigh you down and impact not only your ability to cope and provide care, but they can also harm your health and well-being. It is important to learn to ask for help and prioritize getting breaks from caregiving, so that you can be the caregiver you want to be.

Resources

Family Caregiver Alliance
National Center on Caregiving
(415) 434-3388 | (800) 445-8106
Website: https://www.caregiver.org/
Email: info@caregiver.org
FCA CareNav: https://fca.cacrc.org/login
Services by State: https://www.caregiver.org/connecting-caregivers/services-by-state/

Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) seeks to improve the quality of life for caregivers through education, services, research, and advocacy. Through its National Center on Caregiving, FCA offers information on current social, public policy, and caregiving issues and provides assistance in the development of public and private programs for caregivers. For residents of the greater San Francisco Bay Area, FCA provides direct support services for caregivers of those with Alzheimer's disease, stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson's, and other debilitating health conditions that strike adults.

FCA Fact Sheets

A listing of all facts and tips is available online at www.caregiver.org/fact-sheets.
Caregiving and Ambiguous Loss
Caregiving with Your Siblings
Caregiver Health
Depression and Caregiving
Grief and Loss
Holding a Family Meeting
Taking Care of YOU: Self-Care for Family Caregivers
Other Organizations and Links

Eldercare Locator
eldercare.acl.gov

National Association of Area Agencies on Aging
www.n4a.org

Alzheimer's Association
www.alz.org

Lotsa Helping Hands
www.lotsahelpinghands.com

Recommended Reading

The Caregiver Helpbook
www.powerfultoolsforcaregivers.org

The Emotional Survival Guide for Caregivers: Looking After Yourself and Your Family While Helping an Aging Parent, Barry Jacobs, 2006.

Passages in Caregiving: Turning Chaos into Confidence, Gail Sheehy, 2011.

Help support Family Caregiver Alliance by choosing
FCA as yourAmazon Smile Charity!
This fact sheet was prepared by Family Caregiver Alliance and written and reviewed by Donna Schempp, LCSW. © 2014 Family Caregiver Alliance. All Rights Reserved.

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The Emotional Side of Caregiving - Family Caregiver Alliance

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Whether you become a caregiver gradually or all of sudden due to a crisis, or whether you are a caregiver willingly or by default, many emotions surface when you take on the job of caregiving. Some of these feelings happen right away and some don't surface until you have been caregiving for awhile.

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Caregiving Crisis: 5 Million Workers Needed

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Families are frequently taken aback by the level of assistance and support that a professional caregiver can offer. Through cutting-edge training programs, caregivers receive extensive training in how to assist clients with all of several duties and more in the classroom and in practice settings.

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By Sandi McCann
Reviewed April 2019, by Sara Russell, RN
At first, you may notice the fresh groceries you purchased for your mom last week, are sitting in the fridge uneaten. She's eating cereal or snacks rather than making meals. Or perhaps she is acting more confused when you call. Then, you notice her clothes aren't getting clean. Household tasks are becoming harder for her to handle and her loneliness is lingering.

It's clear, that if your mom wants to keep living in her own home - which she does more than anything - she'll need some help to do it.

What now? There is no way, with your work and family demands, that you can be there every moment, but will a professional caregiver really take on the daily tasks that need to be done to help your parent?

Yes. A caregiver with advanced training will help provide non-medical care to your loved one and provide nourishing meals, assist with household chores, help with hygiene and personal care, and even find fun ways to connect with your mom - like taking her on outings or to her weekly bridge game, or doing other things she enjoys - so she stays engaged and active in her life, says Paul Nygren, a senior care manager at HomeCare of the Rockies. Paul has worked with hundreds of families and is a trusted resource for those who are considering home care.

But, every agency, every caregiver does things a little differently. At the most basic level, whoever you call for help, should listen well and respond professionally so that you get the customized care you need. Then, transparency and reliability are key. But there are a lot of other things to consider before you bring a caregiver in to help your loved one at home.

Here are some things to think about when hiring in-home, non-medical care support.

1. Attentive and engaged listeners.

At HomeCare of the Rockies, the very first thing we do is listen well when a family member calls. Nygren and other care team members spend a lot of time talking to families. He wants to hear their concerns and ideas. He'll ask about their loved one, her health and preferences, needs, desires, experiences and stresses. This ear for detail helps Nygren identify the services and unique ways a caregiver can serve the senior and the family. Then we can create a customized care plan for your loved one.

Families are often surprised about how much help and support a professional caregiver can provide, Nygren says. A caregiver can take on scores of tasks including, helping with laundry, and other light housekeeping. He can prepare nutritious meals, drive the senior to social engagements or medical appointments and even take notes during doctor's appointments. And, while working in the home, the right caregiver will help establish a routine and recognize other ways to keep the senior safe, comfortable, and engaged.

HomeCare of the Rockies caregivers receive advanced training through the innovative HomeCare Caregiver Training Program where they learn through classroom programs and hands-on training just how to support clients with all of these tasks and more.

The right caregiver will serve as the eyes and ears for family members who can't be there every minute. It's OK to expect them to provide quality care and household support in a way that eases stress for everyone involved.
Tip: The best in-home care providers will listen well and offer a flexible range of services to accommodate the needs of your loved one.
And at the same time, the client and her family should always feel free to share concerns, request help, and inquire about any aspect of care - even if it's about the caregiver directly - with the agency they are working with. I want our clients to reach out, talk with us, share ideas and concerns, no matter the issue. That kind of dialogue can only enhance care for the older adult and that's what we all want.

A caregiver or agency who doesn't seem to listen to your specific needs and preferences, or disregards your concerns - probably won't be a good fit in your home.

2. Clear conversations about fees and hours.

Many agencies have a minimum number of required care hours - usually around three. In Boulder County, the cost for in-home care runs between $24 to $30 per hour. Reputable agencies will be happy to discuss specifics of hours and fees with you from the beginning. So, expect to have that conversation up front and early. At HomeCare of the Rockies we are open and transparent about our fees and we are happy to explain what goes into the cost of care we provide. We also spend more in training our caregivers, so you receive exceptional value with the care we provide.

Our dedicated Long-Term Care Insurance Manager even helps families access their long-term insurance benefits and handles all the paperwork, easing the burden for so many of our families who rely on their long-term care insurance to pay home care costs. We can also help you identify other ways to pay for the costs of in-home care, such as benefits from the U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs.

Also, it's reasonable to expect your caregiving agency to work with your schedule to provide caregivers around the times that will most benefit you and your loved one. If those hours need to be changed - perhaps you start with few hours a week and recognize soon after that you need more care - you should be able to add hours without additional setup costs or administrative fees. The only increase in costs should be for the per-hour fees for hours added.

And the ideal agency will have administrative staff to handle the schedule and billing. You should never expect to pay the caregiver directly.

At HomeCare of the Rockies, we handle scheduling, service agreements, and billing matters so the caregiver can keep their focus on caring for your loved one.

3. A professional, reliable presence.
For your protection, you want a caregiver that adheres to these professional standards.
You should expect a caregiver to be clean, professional, and reliable. They should be on time, dressed neatly, and ready to serve according to the agreed upon schedule. Our care team will always show up wearing the agency polo shirt, and name badge.

And, while it's likely you'll like the caregiver you work with - we hope you do, our crew enjoys working with older adults and is trained to keep things friendly and professional with their clients - they won't impose with their own problems or concerns. Nor, should they accept tips or gifts, or visit during their off time.

By keeping these professional boundaries in place, our caregivers can provide excellent, customized care without any added stress for you or your loved one.

4. Extensive, and ongoing caregiver training.

In my experience, advanced caregiver training is essential and it's something I would expect from any caregiver I hire to take care of my family members. Studies show a qualified caregiver can lower the risk of injury and health complications for the seniors they serve.

But there aren't a lot of agencies or private caregivers or agencies who offer advanced training or practical experience. We do.

HomeCare of the Rockies caregivers receive 100 hours of classroom education and hands-on practice through the HomeCare 100 Advanced Training Caregiver Training Program. They learn dementia care, nutrient and hydration information, safe transfer techniques, how to create meaningful engagement and a variety of other skills so they are prepared to care for even the most complex needs.

Also, you should expect any caregiver you hire to have passed a complete background check and have a valid driver's license, if you'd like your caregiver to take you to appointments or on outings, up-to-date auto insurance, and a clean driving record. To find out, ask about the agency's screening protocol.

5. Comfortable with incontinence care, hygiene, and other personal care needs.

Qualified caregivers should be capable and comfortable providing incontinence care and personal hygiene support. Incontinence care affects many older adults and it's an essential part of care delivery, but not every caregiver will provide it.

Though it may be difficult to talk about, it's essential that you know exactly what kind of incontinence care and hygiene support you can expect the caregiver to deliver before hiring.

Some just aren't comfortable dealing with this kind of personal care, Nygren says. If that's the case, that individual is probably not a good fit for your family. There are qualified caregivers who will provide this kind of hygiene care with skill, respect, and discretion, preserving the dignity of all involved.

Our caregivers do it all the time. It's part of their training.

6. Consistent communication and 24/7 support.

Communication between caregivers, clients, care managers, family members, and the scheduling and administrative teams is essential when it comes to comprehensive care delivery and you should expect it from your agency and caregiver.

It's fair to expect regular documentation and updates detailing your loved one's activities, routines, eating and sleeping habits, needs, changes, and other behaviors.
Tip: If communication and access to care managers, even during the off-hours, is important to you, be sure to ask how the caregiving team responds to calls that come when the office is closed.
Also, on-call support personnel should be available if you have questions or concerns during weekends, holidays, and after-office hours. The kind of response you'll get varies greatly. So, be sure to ask the agency or caregiver you are interviewing what kind of communication they provide when the office is closed.

At HomeCare of the Rockies, caregivers are a great resource and are happy to answer your questions and update you on the details of the day including your loved one's activities, moods, routine, medications, and any other happenings.

And, our care team is available to help 24/7. If you call when the office is closed, your call will be routed to an on-call manager in Boulder County and you'll get a call back from someone who can help.

7. Meaningful connection and quality-of-life care.

Finally, the ideal caregiver will provide more than care and assistance with the tasks of daily living. Companionship, connection, compassion, are important aspects of care and essential to creating quality of life and well-being for your loved one.
Call us today, 720-204-6083, and find out how much more you can expect from our caregivers. Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Caregiver
Caregivers with advanced training will have specific approaches and ideas in mind that they use to connect with every client - no matter what stage of life they are in. We spend hours teaching our caregivers how to create meaningful engagement, communicate effectively, and connect with their clients.

It's fair to expect that any caregiver you hire will work to enhance the life of your loved one - but not everyone knows how to do this. Would you like a caregiver who tackle a crossword puzzle with your mom, or take your dad on outings, or work on safe and interesting art projects, or anything else your loved one is interested in? Then, be sure to ask the caregiver, how they approach this. We think creating meaningful engagement is an essential aspect of providing care.

Caregiving is about meeting the non-medical needs of the client, sure, but it's also about supporting the emotional and intellectual needs of the senior. This is crucial to the senior's well-being and something we teach, practice, and expect from our caregivers. You should expect it from the caregiver you hire too.

How many hours of training will our caregiver have?

Do your caregivers receive training online or in the classroom?

Does that training involve hands-on demonstrations and practice?

Are your caregivers able to provide support with household chores, hygiene care and incontinence care, meal preparation, and other tasks of daily living?

Do you have caregivers with special training in dementia care?

How can working with your agency help to minimize the health and safety risks for seniors?

What kinds of activities and engagement do your caregivers provide to clients?

What happens if my loved one needs more advanced care in the future?

Can we change the numbers of care hours without additional fees?

What if I need additional help during holidays or weekends?

Will we always have the same caregiver?

Do I pay the caregiver?

Can you help us access our Long-Term Care insurance benefits?

What do you charge for care?

How do those fees support my loved one?

What is the next step, if we decide to put care in place?

Sandi McCann is the Founder and President of HomeCare of the Rockies, a provider of non-medical caregivers to older adults throughout Boulder County. McCann is also the creator of the HomeCare 100 Professional Caregiver Training Program, an innovative educational strategy that provides advanced training to non-medical caregivers.

Sara Russell, RN, is a registered nurse, senior care specialist, and caregiver educator.

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7 Essential Things to Expect from Professional Caregivers

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By Sandi McCann Reviewed April 2019, by Sara Russell, RN At first, you may notice the fresh groceries you purchased for your mom last week, are sitting in the fridge uneaten. She's eating cereal or snacks rather than making meals. Or perhaps she is acting more confused when you call.

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Family Caregivers provide most of the assistance that enables older Arizonans and those with disabilities to live independently in their homes and communities. Caregivers can also include grandparent raising grandchildren.

What is the Family Caregiver Support Program?

The program offers five direct services to Caregivers that best meet the range of their needs, including:

Information about available services.

Assistance in gaining access to supportive services.

Individual counseling, organization of support groups, and training to assist caregivers in making decisions and solving problems relating to their roles.

Respite care to enable caregivers to be temporarily relieved from their caregiving responsibilities.

Supplemental services, on a limited basis, to complement the care provided by caregivers.

Arizona Caregiver Resource Line:
888-737-7494
Speak with a trained volunteer who can provide a compassionate ear, information, assistance, local resources and support Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Caregiver Action Network Resource Line:
855-227-3640

Eligibility

A family caregiver is defined as:

An adult family member, or another individual, who is an informal provider of in-home and community care to an older individual or any individual with Alzheimer's disease or a related neurological disorder.

A grandparent or older individual who is a relative caregiver (defined as a grandparent or step-grandparent of a child, or a relative of a child by blood, marriage, or adoption, who is 55 years of age or older):

1. Lives with the child who is not more than 18 years of age or who is an adult child between 19 and 59 years of age with a disability. In the situation when it is an adult child with a disability, the caregiver cannot be the parent.

2. Is the primary caregiver of the child because the biological or adoptive parents are unable or unwilling to serve as the primary caregiver of the minor child.

3. Has a legal relationship to the child, such as legal custody or guardianship, or is raising the child informally.

Services, such as respite care and supplemental services, will only be provided to a family caregiver who is providing care to an older individual who has been determined unable to perform at least two Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) without substantial human assistance, including verbal reminding, physical cueing, or supervision.

Respite services shall only be provided to a family caregiver who is assessed to be at moderate or high risk as determined by an assessment tool designated by the Division of Aging and Adult Services.
Contact a local Area Agency on Aging

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Family Caregivers provide most of the assistance that enables older Arizonans and those with disabilities to live independently in their homes and communities. Caregivers can also include grandparent raising grandchildren. The program offers five direct services to Caregivers that best meet the range of their needs, including: Information about available services.

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While working, raising children, and trying to live your own life, are you also taking care of your aging parents or other loved ones? Do you struggle to make time for your own pleasure and health? The Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast is here. The program where actual caregivers discuss how to maintain a positive outlook while providing care for others.

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Listen to Happy Healthy Caregiver on Spotify.

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Caregiver Stress and Burnout - HelpGuide.org

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Caregiving stress can lead to burnout if you don't take care of yourself. These tips will help you avoid caregiver burnout and regain control over your life.

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Caregiver stress syndrome is a condition characterized by physical, mental and emotional exhaustion. It typically results from a person neglecting their own physical and emotional health because they are focused on caring…

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A son or daughter caring for an aging parent, a friend caring for another friend in need, a parent caring for a child who is ill, a paid caregiver - caregivers come in many different forms. All caregiver roles are equally important, and they may also be equally stressful.

Caregivers provide care for someone with an injury, illness or disability. Care can range from helping around the house to making health and financial decisions on their loved one's behalf. Caregiving tasks range from helping around the house, helping with activities of daily living such as showering, toileting, bathing and feeding.

"If the stress of caregiving isn't addressed, it can lead to health problems, such as depression, anxiety, obesity and serious chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes," explains Laura Kotler-Klein, MSS, LCSW, DSW, social work manager at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

It can also lead to burnout, which can end up limiting the care you're able to provide to your loved one. While it's natural to focus on the health of your loved one who needs extra assistance, it's just as important to focus on yourself. By recognizing the signs of caregiver stress, you may be able to manage - or even prevent - burnout.

What Is the Role of a Caregiver?

Your responsibilities as a caregiver are unique. They vary based on the needs of your loved one, and they may even change along with your loved one's medical condition. However, one thing remains the same: These tasks can be time-consuming and potentially exhausting.

Some responsibilities of a caregiver include:

Grocery shopping and cooking

Housework, such as cleaning

Financial tasks, such as paying bills

Giving medicine

Helping your loved one eat

Helping your loved one bathe and dress

Providing emotional support

Coordinating care, scheduling appointments, accompanying the patient to appointments, taking detailed medical notes and transporting the patient.

In many cases, caregivers are on call 24 hours a day - which can leave little to no time for yourself. Whether you've been caring for your loved one for two weeks or two years, it can take a toll on your well-being, and it's important to be on the lookout for signs of caregiver stress to address it right away.

It is also not unusual to see changes in family dynamics. Some family members who cannot provide care may feel guilty and become critical, thinking they are being helpful. Every situation is unique. If you are the main caregiver, let the critical family member know their criticism is not helpful, but that you could use more practical help such as more sharing of responsibilities, more frequent visits or financial contributions toward hiring help.

Avoid Burnout: Recognize the Signs of Caregiver Stress

There's no one way to experience caregiver stress.

"You may feel waves of emotions, such as frustration to anger to helplessness. You may make mistakes during care, such as giving the wrong dosage of medications," explains Kotler-Klein.

No matter the version of stress you experience, it's critical that you notice it and take action. Here are some common signs of caregiver stress:

Changes in appetite, such as eating too much or too little

Negative emotions, such as hopelessness, depression or feelings of alienation

Loss of control, either physically or emotionally

Poor treatment of the loved one you are caring for

Problems sleeping, such as trouble falling asleep or sleeping too much

Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy

Use of alcohol, medications or sleeping pills in an attempt to feel better

Many of these signs of stress come from the same place: the feeling of not having enough time to yourself. It's important not to ignore these signs, as they'll only get worse if you do. By making sure you take care of your own well-being, you can maintain your physical and mental health, and get back to providing the care your loved one needs.

Preventing and Addressing Caregiver Stress

If you're just beginning to feel overwhelmed or you've been experiencing stress for a while now, it's time to take steps to address your feelings and prevent them from getting worse. The most effective way to do this is to take care of yourself, both physically and mentally.

Taking Care of Your Physical Health

"Family caregivers spend an average of over 24 hours a week providing care - that's more than an entire day you don't have for yourself," says Kotler-Klein.

This may lead to frequent fast-food trips, skipped workouts and less sleep. And even though it may be challenging to prioritize your own physical health, it's critical to do so to avoid problems down the road, such as heart disease and bone loss.

Taking care of your physical health as a caregiver includes:

Eating healthy. You may want to plan meals ahead of time, cook nutritious meals for both you and your loved one, or keep some quick but healthy snacks on hand.

Avoiding stress eating. Even if it's been a particularly hard day, resist the urge to try to feel better by eating junk food.

Staying active. Try taking mini exercise breaks throughout the day instead of all at once. If possible, find ways to be active with the person you're caring for.

Getting enough sleep. Aim for at least seven to eight hours each night.

Try to go outside every day for at least 10 minutes in the morning or mid-afternoon. Sunlight and the outdoors are powerful tools in fighting depression.

Make time for the things you enjoy. Ask for help so that you can go to a movie, meet a friend or go shopping.

Taking Care of Your Mental Health

Caregivers often prioritize their loved ones, which can leave less time to do the things they enjoy. In fact, caregivers report that positive activities in their lives are reduced by nearly 30 percent as a result of their care-giving responsibilities.

"These responsibilities can leave you feeling overwhelmed, unhappy and isolated," adds Kotler-Klein.

Fortunately, there are ways to lessen these negative effects of caregiving. Taking care of your mental health as a caregiver includes:

Finding time for yourself. Set aside time for yourself every day - even if it's just 30 minutes - to read, exercise or talk with a friend.

Asking for help from family, friends and neighbors. Ask someone you trust to stop in while you take a walk or go to the gym.

Managing stressful moments. If you're feeling frustrated, take a few deep breaths and know when to take a couple of minutes to yourself.

Getting support from others, such as family, friends and healthcare providers. Don't let your negative feelings fester - address them right away to keep them from getting worse.

Learn to set boundaries.

Say no to non-essential demands on your time.

Find ways to make time for activities and people that are important to you. Get professional help if caregiving seems overwhelming.

Consider joining a support group for caregivers, as well. Other caregivers' experiences may be similar to yours, and they may be able to provide you with some tips and support as you face some of the same challenges.

Find Ways to Help Your Loved One and Yourself

"Being a caregiver means you have extra responsibilities on your plate, but there are ways to make them more manageable," explains Kotler-Klein. "For example, staying organized with a daily routine or to-do list can help you prioritize what needs to be done now and what can wait."

Don't hesitate to ask for help, either. Talk to your loved one's healthcare provider to learn ways to better and more efficiently care for their needs. And if you're feeling particularly overwhelmed, ask another family member or friend to help out every once in a while.

Also, if you're financially able to, consider taking a break from your job. The Family and Medical Leave Act ( FMLA) requires most employers to allow up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave each year for eligible employees to care for a relative. Check with your insurance company and the patient's insurance company to see if there are resources for caregiving, respite care or mental health services.

Remember: The person you are caring for deserves the best version of yourself - well-rested, renewed and refreshed. They wouldn't want you to ignore your own needs and end up physically or mentally exhausted. By noticing the signs of caregiver stress, you can stay happy and healthy while providing the care your loved one needs.

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The Reality of Being a Caregiver and Signs of Stress

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Being a caregiver is rewarding, but it can also be stressful. Here's how to keep stress from impacting your health, so you can provide the care your loved one needs.

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Caregivers care for someone with an illness, injury, or disability. Caregiving can be rewarding, but it can also be challenging. Stress from caregiving is common. Women especially are at risk for the harmful health effects of caregiver stress. These health problems may include depression or anxiety. There are ways to manage caregiver stress.

What is a caregiver?

A caregiver is anyone who provides care for another person in need, such as a child, an aging parent, a husband or wife, a relative, friend, or neighbor. A caregiver also may be a paid professional who provides care in the home or at a place that is not the person's home.

People who are not paid to give care are called informal caregivers or family caregivers. This fact sheet focuses on family caregivers who provide care on a regular basis for a loved one with an injury, an illness such as dementia, or a disability. The family caregiver often has to manage the person's daily life. This can include helping with daily tasks like bathing, eating, or taking medicine. It can also include arranging activities and making health and financial decisions.

Who are caregivers?

Most Americans will be informal caregivers at some point during their lives. A 2012 survey found that 36% of Americans provided unpaid care to another adult with an illness or disability in the past year.1 That percentage is expected to go up as the proportion of people in the United States who are elderly increases. Also, changes in health care mean family caregivers now provide more home-based medical care. Nearly half of family caregivers in the survey said they give injections or manage medicines daily.

Also, most caregivers are women.2 And nearly three in five family caregivers have paid jobs in addition to their caregiving.2

What is caregiver stress?

Caregiver stress is due to the emotional and physical strain of caregiving. Caregivers report much higher levels of stress than people who are not caregivers. Many caregivers are providing help or are "on call" almost all day. Sometimes, this means there is little time for work or other family members or friends. Some caregivers may feel overwhelmed by the amount of care their aging, sick or disabled family member needs.3

Although caregiving can be very challenging, it also has its rewards. It feels good to be able to care for a loved one. Spending time together can give new meaning to your relationship.

Remember that you need to take care of yourself to be able to care for your loved one. Learn some ways to manage caregiver stress and find resources.

Who gets caregiver stress?

Anyone can get caregiver stress, but more women caregivers say they have stress and other health problems than men caregivers.2 And some women have a higher risk for health problems from caregiver stress, including those who:

Care for a loved one who needs constant medical care and supervision. Caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease or dementia are more likely to have health problems and to be depressed than caregivers of people with conditions that do not require constant care.4

Care for a spouse. Women who are caregivers of spouses are more likely to have high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol and are twice as likely to have heart disease as women who provide care for others, such as parents or children.5

Women caregivers also may be less likely to get regular screenings, and they may not get enough sleep or regular physical activity.3

What are the signs and symptoms of caregiver stress?

Caregiver stress can take many forms. For instance, you may feel frustrated and angry one minute and helpless the next. You may make mistakes when giving medicines. Or you may turn to unhealthy behaviors like smoking or drinking too much alcohol.6,7

Other signs and symptoms include:

Feeling overwhelmed

Feeling alone, isolated, or deserted by others

Sleeping too much or too little

Gaining or losing a lot of weight

Feeling tired most of the time

Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy

Becoming easily irritated or angered

Feeling worried or sad often

Having headaches or body aches often

Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and ways to relieve stress. Also, let others give you a break. Reach out to family, friends, or a local resource.

How does caregiver stress affect my health?

Some stress can be good for you, as it helps you cope and respond to a change or challenge. But long-term stress of any kind, including caregiver stress, can lead to serious health problems.

Some of the ways stress affects caregivers include:

Depression and anxiety. Women who are caregivers are more likely than men to develop symptoms of anxiety and depression.8 Anxiety and depression also raise your risk for other health problems, such as heart diseaseand stroke.

Weak immune system. Stressed caregivers may have weaker immune systems than noncaregivers and spend more days sick with the cold or flu. 9 A weak immune system can also make vaccines such as flu shots less effective. Also, it may take longer to recover from surgery.

Obesity. Stress causes weight gain in more women than men.10 Obesity raises your risk for other health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Higher risk for chronic diseases. High levels of stress, especially when combined with depression, can raise your risk for health problems, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, or arthritis.9

Problems with short-term memory or paying attention. 11 Caregivers of spouses with Alzheimer's disease are at higher risk for problems with short-term memory and focusing.

Caregivers also report symptoms of stress more often than people who are not caregivers.3 Learn more about how stress affects women's health.

What can I do to prevent or relieve caregiver stress?

Taking steps to relieve caregiver stress helps prevent health problems. Also, taking care of yourself helps you take better care of your loved one and enjoy the rewards of caregiving.

Here are some tips to help you prevent or manage caregiver stress:

Learn ways to better help your loved one. Some hospitals offer classes that can teach you how to care for someone with an injury or illness. To find these classes, ask your doctor or call your local Area Agency on Aging.

Find caregiving resources in your community to help you. Many communities have adult daycare services or respite services to give primary caregivers a break from their caregiving duties.

Ask for and accept help. Make a list of ways others can help you. Let helpers choose what they would like to do. For instance, someone might sit with the person you care for while you do an errand. Someone else might pick up groceries for you.

Join a support group for caregivers. You can find a general caregiver support group or a group with caregivers who care for someone with the same illness or disability as your loved one. You can share stories, pick up caregiving tips, and get support from others who face the same challenges as you do.

Get organized. Make to-do lists, and set a daily routine.

Take time for yourself. Stay in touch with family and friends, and do things you enjoy with your loved ones.

Take care of your health. Find time to be physically active on most days of the week, choose healthy foods, and get enough sleep.

See your doctor for regular checkups. Make sure to tell your doctor or nurse you are a caregiver. Also, tell her about any symptoms of depression or sickness you may have.

If you work outside the home and are feeling overwhelmed, consider taking a break from your job. Under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act, eligible employees can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year to care for relatives. Ask your human resources office about your options.

What caregiving services can I find in my community?

Caregiving services include:

Meal delivery

Home health care services, such as nursing or physical therapy

Nonmedical home care services, such as housekeeping, cooking, or companionship

Making changes to your home, such as installing ramps or modified bathtubs

Legal and financial counseling

Respite care, which is substitute caregiving (someone comes to your home, or you may take your loved one to an adult day care center or day hospital)

The National Eldercare Locator, a service of the U.S. Administration on Aging, can help you find caregiving services in your area. You also can contact your local Area Agency on Aging.

How can I pay for home health care and other caregiving services?

Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance companies will cover some costs of home health care. Other costs you will have to pay for yourself.

If the person who needs care has insurance, check with the person's insurance provider to find out what's included in the plan.

If the person who needs care has Medicare, find out what home health services are covered.

If the person who needs care has Medicaid, coverage of home health services vary between states. Check with your state's Medicaid program to learn what the benefits are.

If you or the person who needs caregiving also needs health insurance, learn about services covered under Marketplace plans at HealthCare.gov.

Did we answer your question about caregiver stress?

For more information about caregiver stress, call the OWH Helpline at 1-800-994-9662 or contact the following organizations:

Sources

1. Pew Research Center. (2013). As population ages, more Americans becoming caregivers. FactTank: News in the Numbers.

2. National Alliance for Caregiving, in collaboration with AARP. (2015). Caregiving in the U.S., 2015

3. American Psychological Association. (2012). Stress in America: Our Health at Risk. APA: Washington, DC.

4. Pinquart, M., & Sorensen, S. (2003). Differences between caregivers and noncaregivers in psychological health and physical health: A meta-analysis. Psychology and Aging, 18(2), 250-267.

5. Lee, S., Colditz, G. A., Berkman, L. F., & Kawachi, I. (2003). Caregiving and risk of coronary heart disease in U.S. women: A prospective study. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 24(2), 113-119.

6. Lokk, J. (2008). Caregiver strain in Parkinson's disease and the impact of disease duration. European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, 44(1), 39-45.

7. Rivera, H. R. (2009). Depression symptoms in cancer caregivers. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 13(2), 195-202

8. Mahoney, R., Regan, C., Katona, C., & Livingston, G. (2005). Anxiety and depression in family caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease: the LASER-AD study. American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 13(9), 795-801.

9. Godbout, J. P., & Glaser, R. (2006). Stress-induced immune dysregulation: Implications for wound healing, infectious disease, and cancer. Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology, 1(4), 421-427.

10. Udo, T., Grilo, C. M., & McKee, S. A. (2014). Gender differences in the impact of stressful life events on changes in body mass index. Preventive Medicine. Epub ahead of print.

11. Vitaliano, P. P., Echeverria, D., Yi, J., Phillips, P. E., Young, H., & Siegler, I. C. (2005). Psychophysiological mediators of caregiver stress and differential cognitive decline. Psychology and Aging, 20(3), 402-411.

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Caregivers care for someone with an illness, injury, or disability. Caregiving can be rewarding, but it can also be challenging. Stress from caregiving is common. Women especially are at risk for the harmful health effects of caregiver stress. These health problems may include depression or anxiety. There are ways to manage caregiver stress.

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You might require assistance if you're looking after a parent, partner, or child who has special needs. You can find task and emotional support by using these tools and recommendations.

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Some government programs pay family or friends of people with disabilities to help with daily activities including personal care, giving medicine, cooking, cleaning, and more.

State Medicaid programs

If someone with a disability already receives Medicaid, their state may allow a family member or friend to become a paid caregiver.

Many states call this a consumer-directed personal assistance program. Each state has different requirements and rules. Contact your state's Medicaid office for more information.

Long-term care insurance

Some long-term care insurance policies allow family members to get paid as caregivers. Contact your insurance agent and ask for a written confirmation of benefits.

Veterans programs

There are two programs available for veterans:

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Get paid as a caregiver for a family member | USAGov

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Some government programs pay family or friends of people with disabilities to help with daily activities including personal care, giving medicine, cooking, cleaning, and more.

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Employees who provide care may be qualified for federal or state benefits that let them take a brief or long leave of absence from work. It's crucial that you utilize all of the caregiver employee benefits offered to you in order to reduce stress and improve health for both you and your loved one.

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To minimize stress and maximize health for both you and your loved one, it's important that you take advantage of all the caregiver employee benefits available to you. Read on for tips on the employer caregiving benefits you may be entitled to, like employer-sponsored caregiver resources, time off, or financial support.
In this article:
Employer-paid caregiver resources

It may sometimes feel like you're the only one at your job juggling caregiving duties and a career, but that's probably not the case.

"Around 88% of United States employees care for a loved one who is aging in place, 36% are long-distance caregivers and 60% have senior loved ones with cognitive or medical issues," according to a 2018 report by Torchlight, a data-driven company which offers employer-sponsored resources to employees who are also caregivers.

There are many companies that offer elder care benefits to their employees, as family caregiving responsibilities can fall on executives and line staff alike, explained Adam Goldberg, CEO and founder of Torchlight. Employers pay Torchlight for services that are then offered as a benefit to caregiving employees. Torchlight's support services include advising from an array of specialists, concierge services, as well as podcasts, webinars, and other caregiving resources.

"We match the employee up for a consultation with someone with experience in memory care, insurance, housing, and other issues that caregivers face," said Goldberg.

If you are eligible for employer caregiver benefits through your company, you will likely find those benefits in your company handbook. If you don't find what you're looking for, consider reaching out to your employer's human resources (HR) department to see if the company offers these benefits.

Let our care assessment guide you

Our free tool provides options, advice, and next steps based on your unique situation.

Programs for finding and managing care

Many companies now offer caregiver-specific benefits that even include care support.

is one of those companies. They provide public- and private-sector employers with ways to best support employees, by providing the employee with care resources like respite care on in-home care options. Care@Work's mission is to fill a future need for caregiving resources. They provide their client employers with a network of care providers to fill caregiving gaps for employees.

Again, read through your employee handbook or check in with your employer's HR department to see if similar programs are available to you through your place of work.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Caregiving employees may be eligible for federal or state benefits that allow them to take a short or extended leave from work to care for an aging loved one. Some of these benefits can be found through the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). This act entitles eligible family caregivers to receive up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave within a 12-month period to care for an aging loved one.

You're eligible for the FMLA benefits if you meet the following criteria:

Work for a private employer with 50 or more employees

Work for a government agency or school district

Worked 1,250 hours during the 12 months prior to the start of the leave

Worked for the employer for at least 12 months (not necessarily consecutively)

Some companies provide paid or partially paid FMLA leave. For more information on FMLA rules, see the U.S. Department of Labor's FMLA Employee Guide.

Paid family leave

A handful of states provide some form of paid or unpaid family leave on top of the leave afforded by the federal FMLA. Additional paid family leave is critical when a large amount of time off is needed to care for a seriously ill loved one. The following states offer additional paid family leave benefits:

The COVID-19 pandemic has also led to federal and state mandates requiring companies to provide COVID-specific caregiving leave to employees. Picking up medications, providing transportation, and keeping immunocompromised loved ones safe during times of high community transmission are all examples of caregiving that may be eligible for COVID-19 special benefits or accommodations.

Talk with a Senior Living Advisor

Our advisors help 300,000 families each year find the right senior care for their loved ones.

"People caring for a loved one should research what benefits are available at work. They may actually have employee benefits they didn't realize they could use," advised Bradley.

Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)

Many employers offer some form of a flexible spending account (FSA), which can be used for long-term caregiving costs. But, according to Colin Bradley, CEO and president of Winston Benefits in Manasquan, New Jersey, many employees often fail to take advantage of this benefit, because they do not understand that their expenses are eligible. So, it's important to check if your employer offers this benefit.

An FSA and a dependent care FSA (DCFSA) each are employer-sponsored benefits that allow employees to contribute pretax dollars up to a certain amount annually. Some employers even make additional contributions to an FSA account as an added employee benefit. Employees can then use these funds to cover health or dependent care expenses, like respite or in-home care, depending on the type of FSA. Even better, because FSA dollars are pretax, they can reduce your taxable income.

Know your options

If you're uncertain whether your employer offers caregiver-specific benefits, reach out to your company's HR representative to discuss your options. Many policies have been updated since the COVID-19 pandemic, so be sure to review them all to see if there have been changes. Employer benefits for caregivers may provide care resources, ways to pay for long-term care, paid time off, and more. Don't hesitate to take advantage of these benefits to find a work-life balance.

Ultimately, paid leave for caregivers helps employers ensure their top talent have the support they need to remain creative, efficient and productive while caregivers receive the support and time they need to provide proper care for their family members.

When caregiving becomes too much

If your loved one is in need of a higher level of care than you feel you can truly provide while working, maybe it's time to discuss their long-term care options. Perhaps part-time in-home care or only a respite care stay is all that's needed to lighten the load. Or, maybe a senior living community is the appropriate option for the highest quality of care.

If this is a consideration, reach out to a Senior Living Advisor at A Place for Mom for free, local advice on care options in your area. They have been helping families find the right care for decades.
The information contained in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical, legal, or financial advice or to create a professional relationship between A Place for Mom and the reader. Always seek the advice of your health care provider, attorney, or financial advisor with respect to any particular matter, and do not act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything you have read on this site. Links to third-party websites are only for the convenience of the reader; A Place for Mom does not endorse the contents of the third-party sites.

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Caregiver Employee Benefits That Help Caregivers Find a Work-Life Balance

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To minimize stress and maximize health for both you and your loved one, it's important that you take advantage of all the caregiver employee benefits available to you. Read on for tips on the employer caregiving benefits you may be entitled to, like employer-sponsored caregiver resources, time off, or financial support.