In almost all cultures of the world, older people are expected to be treated informally or at home when they are sick or disabled, and are generally considered "normal" in most developing countries. In the United States, families continue to provide most of the care and support services for older family members. Family contributions to health care account for 70% to 80% of all such care in the form of informal care. Family members provide short-term assistance [eg, after surgery] and long-term assistance [eg, for permanent or extended loss of function, such as blindness, activity, or cognitive impairment]. Family members provide direct services [grocery shopping, doctor transportation], service purchases [cleaning services, care services] and service management [coordinating and supervising medical/rehabilitation or guardianship services] as well as financial, emotional and social support.
Who is the main caregiver of the frail elderly? Usually a spouse, followed by an adult child, or other relatives, such as siblings, prostitutes or nephews or grandchildren. In terms of gender, the main caregiver is usually a woman. Although the world has observed that women bear most of the responsibility of caring for older family members, 40% of current US nursing staff are male [husband and son]. Studies have shown that wives, adult daughter-in-law and daughters provide most of the personal care and help with household chores; transportation and shopping for older people, while men are more likely to purchase services or provide service management. Women sometimes leave work or part-time jobs to take care of frail relatives [usually spouses or parents] when they may want to work in their later years to get retirement benefits. Other women are responsible for frail relatives, while adapting to their retirement, widowhood and income reduction. Many school-age children may have parents or grandparents to provide care for older relatives and may participate in care activities themselves, such as shopping or providing guardianship in their spare time instead of extracurricular activities.
Due to the extended lifespan, many caregivers now find themselves in the position of being "continuous caregivers" – supporting parents, spouses and, in many cases, adult children or grandchildren with impaired function. Older adult caregivers may spend decades in nursing activities.
For many people, overwhelming anxiety about older care issues can suddenly occur after an accident or accidental illness. Getting the right information and understanding of existing services and government resources can reduce the pressure on the entire family because there is little or no preparation when making quick decisions.
Orignal From: Eldercare - informal family and continuous care
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