Caregiver Education

Who are Caregivers?

A caregiver is a person who helps take care of someone who needs help with daily life. Often these can be older, sick, or disabled family members and friends. Caregivers can be siblings, spouses or partners, children, grandchildren, other relatives and friends. While some people receive care from paid caregivers, many rely on unpaid assistance from family, friends and neighbors.

The Family Caregiver Alliance estimates that around 44 million Americans provide 37 billion hours of unpaid, "informal" care each year. Their adult family members and friends have chronic illnesses or conditions that prevent them from handling daily activities such as bathing, managing medications or preparing meals.

Family caregivers, particularly women, provide over 75% of caregiving support in the United States. In 2007, the estimated economic value of family caregivers' unpaid contributions was at least $375 billion, which is how much it would cost to replace that care with paid services.

Alzheimer's Disease and Other Types of Dementia

The number of caregivers providing assistance to Alzheimer's sufferers continues to increase. 

Alzheimer's Greater Los Angeles shares some facts about Alzheimer's disease:

  • There are over 5 million people living with Alzheimer's disease in the United States.
  • By 2050, that number could rise as high as 16 million.
  • It's the only disease in the top 10 that cannot be prevented, slowed, or cured.
  • There are over 15 million unpaid caregivers (1.6 million are in California).
  • Women are more likely to become caregivers than men.
  • These unpaid caregivers provide over 18 billion hours of care.
  • Almost 2/3 of those living with Alzheimer's are women.
  • Latinos are 1½ times as likely to have Alzheimer's or other types of dementia than whites.  
  • African Americans are 2 times more likely to have Alzheimer's or other types of dementia than whites.  
  • 1 in 10 people over the age of 65 has the disease.
  • Alzheimer's kills more people than prostate cancer and breast cancer combined.

What to Do?

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's or dementia is a gift of love. It can also be hard work, but there are ways to help make caregiving as rewarding as it is challenging.

Learn About Your Loved One's Illness 
The more you know about your loved one's illness, the better able you'll be to care for them. Planning for the future now allows them to make choices they may not be able to make later on. Choose someone to make decisions for the person when they are no longer able to do so.

Have a Routine 
To help make the day go more smoothly, do the same things at the same time. For example, wake up, eat meals, bathe, and go to sleep at the same time each day. Let the person know what to expect even if you are not sure they understand. Involve your loved one as much as you can in daily activities. For example, a person may not be able to tie their shoes, but he or she may be able to put clothes in the hamper. Find things they like and can do.

Additional Self-Care Tips for Caregivers: 

elderly woman and young woman have a discussion in a living room

Get Support

Having a support network is important.

  • Reach out to family members, friends, or volunteer groups for help.
  • Join a support group.
  • Learn how to manage stress.

California Caregiver Resource Centers

Find Engaging Activities
  • Break down a bigger activity into smaller steps.
  • Try something new like painting, helping to prepare dinner, playing a bongo.
  • Remember old hobbies and pastimes and simplify them.
Compassionate Communication
  • Don't argue or try to win an argument.
  • Watch your body language, tone and volume of your voice.
  • Be an active listener even when you don't understand what they are saying.
Ask for Help
  • Be specific with friends and family about how they can help you.
  • Reach out to professionals who can offer guidance, emotional support and resources
  • Seek information and education before you need it. It's even more difficult to make a decision in a time of crisis.
Step Back and Take Time for Yourself
  • Give yourself permission to still have your own life filled with enjoyable activities.
  • Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, socialize with friends and keep up with your own interests.
  • Find what works for you and do it daily, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation and yoga.