Caregivers Facing Mental Health Issues
A national survey published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports on a growing mental health crisis facing America's family caregivers. As more family families face a loved one, often a parent or spouse, who requires long-term health care, family members face the unplanned role of being a caregiver.
With the COVID-19 virus crisis adding additional pressure and anxiety on family caregivers, being a caregiver today is not easy.
The need for long-term health care services is increasing due to ongoing chronic illness, accidents, or the consequences of longevity. Many older loved ones need help with daily living activities and even supervision due to dementia.
Since many families have not planned for the future costs and related burdens of long-term health care, a family crisis occurs. A family member, often a daughter or daughter-in-law, becomes the primary caregiver if limited funds or no Long-Term Care Insurance is available to pay for care.
Some Caregivers Have Suicidal Thoughts
The role of being a caregiver is mentally and physically exhausting. The CDC report says 32.9% of caregivers had reported substantial mental health difficulties like anxiety, depression, or substance abuse compared to only 6.3% of non-caregivers.
The CDC study also found that 30.7% of these family caregivers of older adults experienced the highest rates of suicidal thoughts. This number is considerably higher than other high-risk groups like essential workers.
The COVID-19 crisis has increased this stress as caregivers must be concerned about virus infection while providing care. This increased stress level added to the usual physical and emotional demands of being a caregiver is very hard on family caregivers.
Plus, many family caregivers attempt to juggle other responsibilities while providing care. Almost 61% of these family caregivers also work full time, not to mention their family responsibilities that don't go away when in a caregiver's role.
"We don't really know how many people go from suicide ideation onto suicide," said Rajeev Ramchand, senior consultant for epidemiology and suicide prevention at the National Institute of Mental Health, quoted by the AARP.
Ramchand says even thoughts about harming oneself suggest a significant level of despair and distress. He says this can be indicative of future a future suicide attempt.
Role of Family Caregiver Has Always Been Hard – Worse Now Due to COVID-19
"Caregiving is hard in the best of times. Everyone is aware of that. I think the compounding effect of the pandemic is making the job more physically, emotionally, and financially difficult," according to Heidi Donovan, co-director of the National Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Family Support at the University of Pittsburgh.
The CDC report shows that most unpaid family caregivers indicate they had little choice in becoming caregivers. Half of these family caregivers say they are very stressed.
When there is no plan and no Long-Term Care Insurance in place, the family goes into crisis mode.
Paid Long-Term Care Services Adversely Effect Income and Assets
Paid professional care services are costly, and these costs are growing even faster due to COVID-19. The need for Long-Term Care Insurance has become even more significant.
The total cost of care depends on where you live. The LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator will show you the current and future costs of the various types of long-term health care.
Experts say the best time to purchase an LTC Insurance policy is when you are younger and healthier, ideally in your 40s or 50s. Be careful, however, since premiums for these policies vary over 100% between insurance companies.
Another problem some consumers run into is a lack of expertise. Very few insurance agents and financial advisors have the skills and knowledge to design an appropriate and affordable plan. Plus, they lack an understanding of underwriting rules and the Partnership Program available in most states.
Seek the assistance of a qualified Long-Term Care Insurance specialist and be sure they represent the major insurance companies. Ask them how many insurance companies they work with and how many LTC policies they have sold.
It is not how many years of experience a professional may have - it is the amount of real-life experience that is essential. Many specialists have over 500 clients; some have thousands.
Take proactive action now to reduce the stress, burden, and anxiety on your family. Even a small Long-Term Care Insurance policy will reduce the pressure otherwise placed on those you love. Remember, when you own a policy, your loved ones will have the time to be family instead of being your caregiver. Most policies come with professional case management that helps your family when you need care.
The fact is long-term care is both a cash flow problem and a family problem. Give your family the time to be family and give yourself access to your choice of quality care either in-home or in a facility. You will safeguard your assets and enjoy peace of mind.