Informal Caregivers

As we learned in chapter one of "Long Term Care Managing Across the Continuum" informal caregivers have been the backbone of long term care during the 1800s and 1900s. During this time it was customary that family members take care of other family members in need. It also can be a cultural tradition as well.

Pratt states that, "nearly 23 percent of U.S. households provide care to a relative or friend 50 years or older." I have witnessed two different scenarios regarding informal caregivers.

My mother cared for my father as he aged and became less able to handle activities of daily living. As a teenager I watched as my father became less able to walk and lose sight in one eye. Considering our family dynamics it took a toll on the family, especially my mother as she worked the night shift as a nurse.

This situation was not due to any customs or traditions, but simply the need to care for a family member.


Currently, my mother in law cares for her mother. Her mother is doing quite well for being 85 years old but she has type 2 diabetes and has had complications from it. My grandmother in law is a first generation U.S citizen. She moved here from Germany and it was tradition to care for family members. they did not rely on the government or other long term care facilities. They relied on family to get through difficult times. Another informal care service used in the family was Hospice while her husband was terminally ill from cancer. My mother in law is part of the "sandwich generation." She managed working full time while caring for her young teenage son and father and now she cares for her mother. So, one could say she is stuck caring for other generations.

Clearly, the structure of our long term care system would be dramatically different if we did not have informal caregivers. Informal caregivers need support, whether it comes from respite care, adult day care, or home health care they need support to continue caring for those they love. Disease, debilitation or disabilities do not take a vacation, however we need to recognize informal caregivers for their service.

What does LTC mean to you?

Long term care in my opinion, is a necessary evil. Long term care has become an extremely important and costly industry in America. I think our ever-changing culture has created the system of long term care that we have today. Different countries have different traditions or beliefs pertaining long term care. This can be seen throughout many families in America.

First, let me say that there certainly are different types of long term care. Assisted living facilities exist for those who are still able to be somewhat independent. They may need help remembering to take medicine and they may some long term physical ailments such as diabetes or dementia or difficulty walking, but they are able to do most activities of daily living. These facilities are a good resource for people who wish to remain independent to a degree.

Caring for a loved one certainly is not an easy task. Whether you are caring for an infant, child, or elder time, love and both physical and emotional strength are necessities. In our society of "busyness" people are losing sight of the importance of caring for loved ones within the family. Some are too concerned about the activities they are involved in, work, children, grandchildren, to care for an elder. Others simply don't think they are strong enough. These certainly are valid reasons for someone to receive care in a long term care facility.

Granted, this is my opinion; you may think the best place for an elder is a long term care facility. I have my reasons for this rationale though. My mother worked for many years in a number of different nursing facilities. I have heard the stories she would tell about not having enough staff, people stealing medicine, and being worked to the bone. She also told me that she does not want to ever be "put in a facility."

My father was cared for at home, but he did have respite care for a couple of short periods of time. Patients or residents of nursing home facilities can be much more active at home versus lying in bed or wheeling through the hallways.

My grandmother-in -law is currently being cared for at home. She is in her mid eighties. She is quite well for her age. Despite having one leg partially amputated due to diabetes, she can walk with a prosthesis. She keeps herself busy during the day by watching game shows and playing solitaire to keep her mind going. Fortunately her daughter works nearby and she comes home during her lunch hour to check in on her during the day.

Long term care of course does not only mean "end of life care." There are people who are in their fifties even that need care due to life experiences that have taken a toll on their body and now they require daily care.

Long term care can occur in a facility or home. Nursing staff and family members can both care for those in need. Sadly, numerous people are in need of care due to long term illness or the aging process. One thing is certain, long term care facilities need to be properly staffed in order to provide the best possible care that every person deserves.

Purpose

This blog has been created as part of an assignment for my Long Term Care Administration course with the University of Central Florida.

The purpose of this blog will be to express my perceptions and thoughts about various issues and concepts involving long term care. I will explore many different topics throughout the course of the semester and gain experience using a different aspect of blogging versus my original blog which pertains to my hobby of papercrafting.

I hope you enjoy reading about my insight. I look forward to reading your comments.


Yours Truly,
Kelly