According to Dr. Carlos Ventura, a fellowship-trained geriatrician specializing in internal medicine at Kettering Health Years Ahead facility in Kettering, spousal or elderly caregivers who also have health issues is a common scenario.
“In geriatric care, we encounter it all the time,” he said. “We have significant amount of people in our society who are caregivers for elderly individuals and at the same time being elderly and chronically ill themselves.”
Ventura says it is key to evaluate the situation for safety, which can also help identify whether community or state resources are needed for the patient and caregiver.
“In the city of Dayton, we have a growing elderly population with many people having family members out of the state or with no close family relationship,” Ventura said. “They find themselves caring for each other or having other types of support systems, which might include church organizations, neighbors, or non-relatives who do live in town and help them out. We encounter this situation all the time in geriatric care.”
Caregivers often sacrifice their own medical checkups, social activities and mental health care. Maintaining two different calendars (one for the caregiver and one for the family member) can help balance self care for the caregiver. Ventura encourages caregivers to schedule fun activities for themselves, as it is importance for caregivers to maintain a balance.
“I always tell patient’s caregivers to think of themselves as well,” Ventura said. “Many people may find this selfish when really it is not.”
Caregivers should set aside time during the day for small breaks, such as a walk or calling a friend, as well as pay attention to their own health needs and plan for a fun event every month or so.
How can neighbors, friends or family support seniors who are caregivers? Regular phone calls and check ins, transportation help to appointments or picking up prescriptions or groceries can help alleviate long to-do lists.
Ventura notes that caregivers are often too shy to ask for help, but assistance from family or neighbors can be a significant relief for the caregivers themselves.
“In general, if you have the willingness in your heart to help, you would be surprised how much ‘little things’ may make a big difference for the patient or the caregivers,” he said.
Concerned family or friends can also help research caregiver support options in the area, such as the church or volunteer programs, the Area Agency on Aging, Meals on Wheels, respite services or organizations that support specific diagnosis or conditions.
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