Visory Health Caregiver Series: What is a Caregiver?

This month we will discuss caregivers, the care we provide, and some resources that may help as we navigate our journey of caring.

Caregiving requires much more than many people realize.
Visory Health is here to support and empower caregivers.

What is a Caregiver?

Simply put, a caregiver or care partner is someone who helps another person with their daily needs and activities. This may include helping with personal care, medicines, daily tasks, transportation to appointments or any other needs that require assistance to complete.

One in four Americans are caregivers who spend an average of 24 hours a week caring for a loved one.

Informal caregivers are usually family, friends, or neighbors who do not get paid for the help they provide.
A formal caregiver (a healthcare worker: for example, a nurse, or health aide) is an individual paid for their services. They may provide care in the home, long-term care facility, adult day care, or residential/community facility.

Who Can Be a Caregiver?

According to the National Alliance for Caregivers, there are an estimated 53 million caregivers in the United States.

But who are we…?

We are family members, spouses, partners, friends, and neighbors…
We are integral to the health and well-being of our communities…
We work in other jobs, yet spend 24 hours each week caring for a loved one…
We are female and account for 75% of all caregivers …
We are 5 million males who care for an older family member 43.4% of the time….
We as informal caregivers who provide care with an economic value estimated $470 billion dollars…

Caregiving takes patience, commitment, and understanding. Before you assume the role of caregiver, you need to understand what some of your responsibilities may include.

What Are Typical Caregiving Activities?

Caregiving activities are dependent upon the assistance needed. These activities may involve:

Preparing food or help feeding
Providing transportation to appointments- medical, personal, grocery shopping
Helping with mobility needs: assisting getting in and out of bed, chairs, and walking
Medication assistance
Household tasks and chores
Money and finance assistance: bills, budget assistance
Any other activities or tasks required by a loved one who needs assistance to complete

Can I Get Paid To Be A Caregiver?

Some government programs may pay family or friends who are caregivers for individuals with disabilities to help with daily activities, including personal care needs, giving medications, cooking, cleaning and other necessary tasks or activities.

State Medicaid Programs: if someone with a disability already receives Medicaid, the state may allow a family member or friend to become a paid caregiver. Each state has different requirements. Contact your state’s Medicaid office for more information.
Long-term Care Insurance: some long-term care insurance policies allow family members to get paid as a caregiver. Contact your insurance agent and ask for a confirmation of your benefits.
Paid Family Leave: some states require employers to offer family leave programs and some programs pay you to care for a family member. Contact your state labor office.
Agencies on Aging: a local Agency on Aging may be able to help with additional resources: counseling and care referrals; adult daycare programs; and meal delivery. Contact your local Agency on Aging.
Veteran Programs: The Veteran Directed Home and Community-Based Services and Aid and Attendance Benefits Program are two programs that aid caregivers. Contact your local VA for additional information and specific requirements.
Website for additional information and links: https://www.usa.gov/disability-caregiver

What Support is Available for Caregivers?

National Family Caregiver Support Program
VA Family Caregiver Assistance Program | Veterans Affairs
Resources for Caregivers HHS.gov
AARP Resources for Caregivers and their Families
National Institute of Health, National Institute on Aging:
The Caregiver’s Handbook – Order Free Publications
Check your local community for caregiver services available.

Caregiver Bill of Rights

Like patients, caregivers have a bill of rights that outlines expectations.

As a caregiver, you have the right to:

Take care of yourself: get the sleep, nutrition, and exercise you need to sustain your physical and emotional health
Maintain your individual life and connections outside of caregiving
Ask for help when you need it-get respite support and avoid isolation
Access community resources
Live without guilt- you are doing the very best you can
Express your feelings during difficult and challenging caring
Receive love and affection
Set limits and learn to say no to unreasonable asks or demands
Educate yourself to make caregiving more manageable

As a caregiver, I have the right to __________________________________!

We See You and Hear You

At Visory Health, we understand the critical work caregivers do daily.

We see you and hear you, the caregiver, and support you in your care journey.
We want to empower you to care for yourself so that you can continue to care for your loved one.

Visory Health’s discount prescription card can help you save money on your prescription medications. https://www.visoryhealth.com/rx-savings-card

Next month we will continue our Caregiver Series to support our Visory Health Community.