Comments on: The Costs of Family Caregiving in an Aging Society: What Is Your Experience? http://blog.nationalpartnership.org/index.php/2009/10/costs-of-family-caregiving/ Just another WordPress weblog Wed, 24 Apr 2013 02:54:12 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Molly M http://blog.nationalpartnership.org/index.php/2009/10/costs-of-family-caregiving/comment-page-1/#comment-280 Molly M Sat, 10 Oct 2009 15:07:17 +0000 http://blog.nationalpartnership.org/?p=306#comment-280 Thanks for shining a light on this critical issue. Organizing the collective voice, and wisdom, of millions of family caregivers can help those of us caught up in the day-to-day work of caregiving feel connected and empowered. And, as for this being a workplace issue: one of my colleagues at work wanted to swap hints, tips and experiences with other long-distance family caregivers who were helping their parents. She thought a few people would sign up for her proposed support group; dozens of co-workers stepped forward. One of the many important messages that this group has given voice to is, "You are not alone." Advocacy begins with that simple fact. Family caregiving IS a public health issue, and it is an economic issue. Thanks for shining a light on this critical issue. Organizing the collective voice, and wisdom, of millions of family caregivers can help those of us caught up in the day-to-day work of caregiving feel connected and empowered.

And, as for this being a workplace issue: one of my colleagues at work wanted to swap hints, tips and experiences with other long-distance family caregivers who were helping their parents. She thought a few people would sign up for her proposed support group; dozens of co-workers stepped forward. One of the many important messages that this group has given voice to is, “You are not alone.” Advocacy begins with that simple fact.

Family caregiving IS a public health issue, and it is an economic issue.

]]> By: Stephanie Kay http://blog.nationalpartnership.org/index.php/2009/10/costs-of-family-caregiving/comment-page-1/#comment-273 Stephanie Kay Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:39:56 +0000 http://blog.nationalpartnership.org/?p=306#comment-273 My parents were living in Florida when my mother started showing symptoms of dementia. I decided they would be better off near us, in Rockville, MD. My dad agreed. I was fortunate to get an apartment at the Revitz House, a Section 8 Housing complex near my home. She was able to function there because of my dad's wonderful care and attention. She also attended a day care center. My mother rapidly deteriorated and I had to make the awful decision to move her to the Hebrew Home. The day we moved her in was one of the saddest days of my dad's and my life. While she received good care, we knew this was the end of the line. My father visited her 3 times a day--he was was racked with guilt. My mother lived there for 11 years! Sadly, my father had a heart attack and died in 1992--preceding her by 9 years. He truly died of a broken heart. What a helpless feeling to watch my mother deteriorate and know I was powerless to make things better. With the help of my family, we visited frequently and provided her with love and affection. I have spoken to friends and acquaintances who are in similar situations. When there isn't enough income to hire temporary caregivers, the stress can become unbearable. Growing old and sick in America can indeed be a heartbreaking experience. My parents were living in Florida when my mother started showing symptoms of dementia. I decided they would be better off near us, in Rockville, MD. My dad agreed. I was fortunate to get an apartment at the Revitz House, a Section 8 Housing complex near my home. She was able to function there because of my dad’s wonderful care and attention. She also attended a day care center. My mother rapidly deteriorated and I had to make the awful decision to move her to the Hebrew Home. The day we moved her in was one of the saddest days of my dad’s and my life. While she received good care, we knew this was the end of the line. My father visited her 3 times a day–he was was racked with guilt. My mother lived there for 11 years! Sadly, my father had a heart attack and died in 1992–preceding her by 9 years. He truly died of a broken heart. What a helpless feeling to watch my mother deteriorate and know I was powerless to make things better. With the help of my family, we visited frequently and provided her with love and affection. I have spoken to friends and acquaintances who are in similar situations. When there isn’t enough income to hire temporary caregivers, the stress can become unbearable. Growing old and sick in America can indeed be a heartbreaking experience.

]]> By: Tweets that mention The Costs of Family Caregiving in an Aging Society: What’s Your Experience? « From the Desk of… the National Partnership for Women & Families -- Topsy.com http://blog.nationalpartnership.org/index.php/2009/10/costs-of-family-caregiving/comment-page-1/#comment-244 Tweets that mention The Costs of Family Caregiving in an Aging Society: What’s Your Experience? « From the Desk of… the National Partnership for Women & Families -- Topsy.com Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:16:32 +0000 http://blog.nationalpartnership.org/?p=306#comment-244 [...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Nursing Jobs and Jerry Travers. Jerry Travers said: READiNG: The Costs of Family Caregiving in an Aging Society: What’s Your Experience? http://bit.ly/1luRZN [...] [...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Nursing Jobs and Jerry Travers. Jerry Travers said: READiNG: The Costs of Family Caregiving in an Aging Society: What’s Your Experience? http://bit.ly/1luRZN [...]

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