50+ Lifestyles

The Impact of Caregiving

By Peggy Dykes
Community Relations Director
Milestone’s Area Agency on Aging

More and more families and individuals are providing occasional or daily care for an aging parent, an ill spouse or disabled friend. They may live miles away or across the street. Many manage by helping out with a few things, but when they begin providing hands-on support for medical and personal care or solving complex issues, it becomes
challenging. It can affect family life, job performance and personal health. Nearly one in four households is involved in providing physical and emotional assistance to older relatives and friends.

Increasing life spans with better management of chronic health conditions, shorter hospital stays, insurance restrictions and fewer homecare services have increased caregiving responsibilities. Family caregivers are taking on greater obligations for longer periods of time. Increased responsibilities can result in major health complications for the caregiver, including high levels of stress and poor physical health. In addition, most family caregivers are not prepared to be caregivers and provide care with little or no support.

The Quad City Family Caregiver Conference was created seven years ago; to provide a lot of caregiving information, all under one roof. It will be held on Saturday, March 4th from 8 a.m. to noon at the Waterfront Convention Center, 2021 State Street in Bettendorf. Speakers will begin at 9 a.m. addressing the need for self-care and at 10:30 a.m. exploring home adaptations for safety and independence. A variety of exhibitors will feature products and services to help both Iowa and Illinois caregivers and the people they are caring for. Family Caregiver Specialists from Milestones Area Agency on Aging (AAA), Alternatives, Western Illinois AAA and the Alzheimer’s Association will be on hand to answer questions and guide you through the maze of caregiving issues.

It’s FREE and reservations are not necessary. Light refreshments and door prizes. If you have questions, please call Peggy at Milestones 563-324-9085.

Peggy Dykes is Community Relations Director at Milestones Area Agency on Aging. She can be reached at (563) 324-9085, ext. 212 or at pdykes@milestones aaa.org.