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During Family Caregiver Month in November, consider thanking those folks you know who are family caregivers in our communities. Family caregivers provide an invaluable service by being responsible for local care that helps people remain in their homes and communities as long as possible.

If family caregivers were no longer available, the economic cost to the U.S. health care and long-term care services would increase astronomically. In 2009, about 42.1 million family caregivers in the U.S. provided care to an adult with limitations in daily activities at any given point in time, and about 61.6 million provided care at some time during the year. The estimated economic value of their unpaid contributions was approximately $450 billion in 2009, up from an estimated $375 billion in 2007. In Minnesota alone, that cost was estimated at $8.2 billion for 649 million hours of caregiving, according to a report titled "Valuing the Invaluable: 2011 Update The Economic Value of Family Caregiving in 2009" published by the AARP Public Policy Institute.[[In-content Ad]]

Many Caregivers undergo stress, isolation, financial strain, health problems, loss of employment and little time to care for themselves. They often experience lost wages, pension and Social Security benefits in the aggregate due to their caregiving efforts. These caregivers need ongoing support to continue their job of caregiving. Many programs are available to help caregivers find services, counseling, respite care, legal and financial assistance, and caregiver support groups. Faith in Action for Cass County offers volunteer assistance with transportation, light housekeeping, and visiting with respite to give the caregiver a break. Lutheran Social Services (LSS) offers caregiver counseling and respite through the Caregiver Support Program. Caregiver support groups are also available in Walker, Pine River, and other communities, on a monthly basis. Home Care Programs are available to hire additional help with some direct and indirect care tasks. Adult Day Services provides a safe place for a loved one to be while the caregiver gets out of the house and may provide bathing services. The Senior LinkAge Line (800-333-2433) is a resource number for older adults on all kinds of issues from Medicare to life planning.

Caregiving takes many forms and every situation is unique. Not everyone has family caregiving support. Some folks may not even recognize the caregiving load they have taken on until some crisis happens. Some caregivers just need to know they aren't alone. For more information on family caregiving and caregiver resources, contact Faith in Action for Cass County at 866-675-5435 or check out the website at www.faithinactioncass.com.

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