Andrea Molberg
There are an estimated 63 million caregivers in the United States, nearly one in every four adults. About 59 million care for an adult with a medical condition, injury, disability, or illness, and the vast majority are unpaid family members. Nearly a quarter provide 40 or more hours of care every week. About 11 million family caregivers are paid under Medicare provisions for home-and-community-based services, which vary by state.
Caregivers devote energy and time managing the health and safety of someone. Are you one? Do you know someone who is?
Caregivers help with daily routines like toileting, bathing, preparing meals, doing housework, transporting, monitoring health, and managing medications and finances. Caregivers also interface with healthcare providers and serve as advocates. Unfortunately, too often those in a caregiver role experience burnout and compassion fatigue.
SaddleBrooke Caregivers United is a local resource—a group of active, past or future unpaid caregivers who meet from 10 a.m. to noon on the second Saturday of every month.The meetings are now held in the SaddleBrooke TWO Catalina Room, next to the Golf Pro Shop. Come for information, friendship, and support. Meetings are free and open to all SaddleBrooke caregivers.
At the upcoming Oct. 10 meeting, Medicare specialist Bill Counts will speak about Medicare assistance options in Arizona. Bill, an independent insurance broker here in Arizona, focuses on solutions for Medicare, long-term care, and life insurance needs. He offers personalized help for selecting the best health insurance plans to fit budget and lifestyle.
In November, Relocation Specialist Anne Marie Glenn will focus on managing stress and anxiety. Mark Nov. 14, on your calendar too.
While caregiving can be wonderfully rewarding, it also can take a toll physically, financially, and emotionally. Remember, you don’t have to do it alone.
Contacts: Shirey Webster 775-857-7762 sdwweb1@gmail.com and Bunnie Gill 520-818-1835 bunniegill@gmail.com.
SaddleBrooke Caregivers United wants to help. The better care you take of yourself, the better you can care for your loved one.