Understand caregiver services

There is no denying the fact that people are living longer than ever before. Because many women are marrying and begetting children rather late in life, they frequently find themselves in a piquant position of caring for their children and elders at the same time.

Many older adults develop mental or physical impairments that will cease to make them self-reliant and look for outside help. It is estimated that presently nearly 50% of the aged over-85 population needs some assistance for their daily activities such as eating, bathing, toileting or dressing. The availability of elderly caregivers to the aged is a critical factor whether the elders remain at the home or seek admission into an institution. The fact remains that while the number of older people is steadily increasing, the pool of available caregivers for them is shrinking. Care giving can be broadly defined as providing assistance for the physical, mental and emotional needs of an aged person, ranging from partial assistance to 24-hour care, depending on the condition of the old person. Caregivers to the aged often provide a wide range of services, depending on the degree of disability, economic situation and living environment of the senior citizens. The nature and quantum of care will also vary with the type of disease or disability as someone with Alzheimer's disease will have different needs than someone with cancer.

The Senior Citizens Bureau is a national, non-profit community resource for the elderly and children of the elderly and caregivers to the aged. They provide free or low cost services and guidance to the elderly and offer an online directory and resource guide that list various housing, product and caregiver service providers. Their national hotline, the Elder Info Line, is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for senior members. To avail their services contact: 832-230-1238 or e-mail them at director@seniorcitizensbureau.com. Visit www.seniorcitizensbureau.com for more information.