2011 to Be Year of Family Caregivers

The year 2011 has been dedicated as a special year to recognize family caregivers. Caregivers are a very valuable resource to the communities of Koochiching County. Who are they?

A family caregiver is anyone who provides physical and / or emotional care for an ill or disabled loved one.  At a time when hospitals are releasing patients earlier and the elderly are living longer, more family members and friends are caring for their loved ones at home.  Often, they are finding themselves having to perform new and unfamiliar tasks.

In Minnesota, over 90 percent of needed long-term care is provided by a family member.  There are over 600,000 Minnesota caregivers. The average caregiver is a 46-year old working woman who provides almost 20 hours per week taking care of an elderly parent. Also, a growing number of men are providing care.

In the United States as a whole, one in four households is providing significant care to a family member, friend or neighbor who has a chronic illness, disability, or is elderly and frail.

We want caregivers to be informed about available resources, to recognize when they need help and to know how to ask for and accept assistance from others.

As Program Specialist for Koochiching Aging Options and the Koochiching County Care Consultant, Leslee Loop can provide caregiver consultant services. She can meet with you in your home to address your specific concerns and needs. And she can assist you in formulating a plan that will help you utilize resources in the community.

For more information, call Leslee Loop at 218-283-7030. You might visit http://www.thefamilycaregiver.org/