A call for help!

The following is courtesy of Home Helpers of Lake Norman & Central NC. Visit our website at www.homehelpers.cc/lkn58445 , or call us at 704.909.7958

 We received a call recently from a young woman who had been caring for her mother & father, was using vacation time from work for it, and was exhausted.  The parents were content, but she admitted she could not continue this way and needed our help.

 Out of curiosity, we did some quick research for studies that might summarize the impact on providing this type of care.  What we found was surprising.  Here are some interesting statistics:

• The proportion of adult children providing personal care for parents has more than tripled in the last 15 years.
• Females are more likely to provide basic care, and males are more likely to provide financial assistance.
• In the U.S., the total aggregate cost of caregivers to parents in lost wages, benefits, etc., is over $3 trillion annually (yes, TRILLION).
• Adult children who work and provide care to parents are more likely to have health issues.
• Over the total time estimate that a female caregiver is tending to her parents, the cost in lost wages, benefits, added expense, etc., is over $320,000!

 These statistics have implications for individuals, employers, government, planners, Insurance Providers, etc.  As an individual, you owe it to yourself to closely consider your health and welfare when considering how to provide family care.  Emotions and feelings of commitment are usually strong in these situations, but making a decision that is good for everyone is always the best choice.  

 For more information, click here to visit the MetLife Caregiving Study.