Senior Spotlight: The US Caregiver Shortage (Part 2)

One of the hardest roles is getting even harder to fill: caregivers needed.

This week, we promised you a continuation of last week’s introduction to ‘The US Caregiver Shortage: Part 1.’ We dedicated the previous piece to summarizing the reasons behind the shortage, while this week, we are presenting some considerations as to what it means for you and your family.

GREAT EXPECTATIONS

The two biggest parts of caring for aging loved ones are clear communication and changing needs. First, you and your loved ones may have very different plans for what aging will look like. Perhaps your mother plans to age in place, but assumes you will be nearby to help her with occasional tasks. But then you or your spouse take a job out of state, and she is bewildered that you had no idea she was relying on your consistent presence. Or perhaps you assumed your father would be able to care for himself into his 70’s… until hearing loss began and now you wonder how safe it is for him to live alone. At the end of the day, even the best laid plans can change – and often overnight. So the best plan is to plan to communicate regularly – at least 1-2 conversations a year, and to assume that circumstances will change faster than you can keep up.

THE ALTERNATIVES

‘But wait Bobbi! If you are saying that we should make plans – and expect them to change – and that there are not enough people to help, what are we supposed to do?!’ This is where we wish we could wave a magic wand and create the changes you need exactly when you need them. But since we can’t do that, we can suggest a few scenarios to consider.

#1: TALK TECH. There is no doubt that no amount of technology can replace the connection and care that a human caregiver can provide. But there are types of tech that can help you support an aging loved one in the right scenario. We encourage you to read ‘Ten technology offerings for older adults from CES 2021’ and ‘The Best Smart Home Devices to Help Seniors Age in Place’ to learn more. But a few examples include, fall detectors, smart lighting, smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, security systems and voice communication devices.

#2: WATCH PUBLIC & PRIVATE POLICY. Legislation has much to do with how our elderly are cared for and what programs they have access to. Items to watch for in local, national and even workplace policies may include infrastructure that supports the elderly – such as transportation solutions, affordable housing, community care models, tax breaks for home modifications and immigration policy. A study from MetLife has even shown that increased benefits and programs for caregivers actually increase employee productivity and decrease time off.

#3: RAISE THE BAR. If you are lucky enough to have found an amazing home caregiver, consider how to keep them! Pay a fair, living wage and consider benefits such as paid time off, offering caregiver training or access to caregiver support groups, keeping hours consistent and allowing appropriate time for rest.

#4: AVOID WAITING FOR WORSE CASE SCENARIOS. The hardest thing to see any family go through is a crisis. And while no one can predict when a health crisis, job change or financial twist will throw your caregiving plans for a curveball, there are some things you can do before you have to. Rightsizing before you move an aging loved one into a care community can be take months, or longer! Clearing clutter and minimizing possessions is something that actually creates more joy and less stress for all of us at any age – so don’t wait until you have to move mom to prioritize possessions.

It is also never too soon to talk about what your parents and grandparents want as they age. Would they rather stay in their home as long as they can even if you move away? Or would they consider relocating to an active senior living community close to wherever YOU are? Are they hoping for a family caregiver or professional caregiver? Also set aside pre-conceived notions about senior communities and view them for yourself. Tour different community types and make lists of pros and cons - both financial, social and overall quality of life.

#5: THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX. Creativity is the child of necessity, right? We have seen much written in recent years about the growing field of senior co-housing, and programs that match seniors with housing situations that meet their needs. Some programs are intergenerational, some match seniors who have similar interests to minimize their isolation and maximize their shared living expenses. There are also paid family caregiver programs in all 50 states for Medicaid recipients, and online caregiver support groups for those caring for loved ones.

This is not an all-inclusive list of what to do if you need a caregiver. But we do hope that you have gathered some inspirational food for thought as you consider what scenarios you and your loved ones may be facing in the years to come. Knowledge is power – and we are committed to keep learning and keep sharing, and we encourage you to do the same! 

Resources Used:

Solution To Caregiver Shortage Comes With Cost, But Big Upside Covers It

Aging in Place: A State Survey of Livability Policies

Can I Get Paid to Be a Caregiver for a Family Member?

Smart Patients Caregivers Community