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Nanaimo News Bulletin
November 11, 2006
Caring for aging parents
As Canada continues to age, caring for elderly parents has become both a concern and a burden.
With more than 16 per cent of the Nanaimo population, according to census data, at 65 years or older, aging family members are leading to a number of problems for families.
A growing problem employers are facing today is the rising number of employees calling in sick in order to care for their aging parents.
Almost 25 per cent of Canadian households are now involved in caring for an elderly family member – and this number is rising.
Nearly 65 per cent of these caregivers are also employed outside of the home. With the average caregiver spending 20 hours per week looking after a senior, many are forced to take time away from their paid jobs.
The two most significant results for families having to care for elderly parents are a reduction in income due to missed shifts and an increase in stress.
Many families face these problems with surprise and shock but it is becoming increasingly important to recognize these issues in advance and plan for them.
“Families with aging parents need to deal with a number of issues in advance,” says Kristan Ash, director of operations for Nurse Next Door, B.C.’s largest home healthcare company.
“If they plan for when their parents require more attention, it won’t be such a burden.”
When faced with aging parents, it is always best to have a future plan before it becomes a critical issue. Ash outlines a few suggestions for families to consider:
1. Talk to your parents or family members before a crisis situation. With this conversation you will better understand the true wishes of your aging family members. Discuss Medicare, health insurance, long-term or in-home care options, and important legal documents.
2. Locate any community resources that may be available to you and your family including senior support services, Meals on Wheels or adult day-care facilities. You can access many of these services via the local hospital or skilled nursing facility discharge planners or seniors’ citizen centres.
3. Ask your employer if they can help. Many employers are willing to help employee caregivers in order to retain valuable workers. Find out if your employer offers paid leave benefits or flex hours. Some employees are even beginning to include long-term care insurance or caregiver respite programs in their benefit package.
4. Ask friends and family for help. Ask them what experiences they have had with some of the community services.
Caring for our aging parents is one of the more challenging roles we undertake in our adult lives.
However, with forethought, consideration and a little research, it can actually lead to a much better arrangement for our loved ones.
