Caregiving

Join two live webinars to find out how to identify and react to changes in your loved one’s behavior

By John Reinhart

AARP Missouri is cohosting a Caregivers Conference in St. Louis in cooperation with Christian Hospital Auxiliary and Christian Hospital Foundation. The event aims to support family caregivers and provide information about resources that can help with transportation, shopping, meal preparation and other needs.

For two years, AARP Missouri has fought for legislation that could help family caregivers when a relative is in a hospital or about to come home. The bill stalled in committee in 2016 and 2017.

By Tim Poor

With the vast majority of older Missourians wanting to remain in their homes and communities as they age, the contribution of family caregivers cannot be overlooked. This silent army is the backbone of elder care in our state, providing unpaid care valued at about $8.9 billion annually. Without the help of family caregivers, too many of our seniors would end up in costly institutions – often paid for by the state, through Medicaid.

Caregivers Together, a local support group in Carthage, meets monthly to offer family caregivers in the area an opportunity to share stories with others facing the same challenges. Founded by AARP volunteer Jinny Hopp, the group also shares tips on how to balance your own life and work with the tasks required to meet an aging loved one’s needs.

Demographic trends suggest that if you aren’t a family caregiver now – you will be someday!

At a time when our country is extremely polarized, family caregiving is a rare issue that unites us. It isn’t a Democratic issue or a Republican issue. It’s a family issue that affects us all. If you’re not a caregiver now, you will be one or will need one in the future.

AARP Missouri is sponsoring a conference called Family Caregiving: An Act of Love in Piedmont on June 15. The event aims to connect family caregivers with helpful community resources and give them an opportunity to meet and talk with other caregivers.