How Not To Tear Your Family Apart

Todays Caregivers

The Caregiving in the U.S. 2020 report presented by the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) and the AARP Public Policy Institute shows that the majority of caregivers (61 percent) are still female. Significantly, a larger percentage of women (67 percent vs. 59 percent of men caregivers), are the primary or sole provider of care and provide a high intensity level of care for more hours per week than non-primary caregivers. As a result, their life balance equation becomes seriously out of balance. Most families/friends don’t recognize or acknowledge the increasingly difficult situation until the caregiver already experiences negative consequences. A nationwide staffing shortage and the effect of being a sole or presumptive caregiver are so widespread that some states are looking at ways to provide caregiver support. Minnesota for example, is making it is possible to provide personal care for loved ones and get compensated for it. There are several options for becoming a paid PCA in Minnesota. However, there are a few specific things that are not allowed, such as providing any type of medical services. A newer Hawaii law provides workers caring for older friends or family members with up to $70 a day, Benefits Pro reports. The stipend is available to those who work at least 30 hours a week and also have caregiving responsibilities.