Thanks in part to more advanced medical care, Americans are living longer lives. In turn, that means the number of older adults needing long-term care is increasing. Caring for a loved one can be a rewarding experience, but it can also involve emotional, physical, and financial stress. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Shannon Wood-Williams says more and more Americans are now caring for their aging parents.

“Our population, the baby boomers, are aging and aging into taking care of their own parents as well as moving into a place [where] our children are going to be looking at making arrangements for us,” Wood-Williams explained. She says it’s important to be honest with aging parents, let them know how much you will be able to help, research options for outside care if it’s needed, and take time out for yourself. Wood-Williams says it’s crucial to not ignore your spouse while you are caring for another family member. She recommends planning “dates” so your spouse does not feel ignored.

Planning ahead can make the transition easier for both parties involved. Wood-Williams suggests consolidating financial records, talking openly about finances, and checking into long-term care insurance. The earlier a person begins to plan for old age, the less stress will be involved when a caretaker is needed.

If you are a caretaker or are in need of one, the following resources may be beneficial to you:

• Florida Department of Elder Affairs: http://elderaffairs.state.fl.us/
• Area Agency on Aging for North Florida, Inc Toll-Free: 1-866-467-4624
• Click here for local services: http://www.aaanf.org/services_view.asp?county_id=1
• Bay County Council on Aging: http://www.baycouncilonaging.org/
• List of Walton and Okaloosa Services: http://www.nwflaaa.org/walton.html
• List of Gulf County Services: http://www.aaanf.org/services_view.asp?county_id=5
  

• 50 Million:  Number of people who are caregivers each year
  Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Informal Caregiving: Compassion in Action. Washington, DC: 1998, and National Family Caregivers Association, Random Sample Survey of Family Caregivers, Summer 2000, Unpublished

• 13%:  Percentage of workforce that are caregivers
  Source: Wagner, D. and Neal, M., "Working Caregivers: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities for the Aging Network". National Family Caregivers Support Program, Program Development Issues Briefs, Administration on Aging, DHHS, 2002.

• $34 billion:  Amount businesses lose every year because of an employee’s caregiving responsibilities
  Source: Metlife Mature Market Institute and National Alliance for Caregiving, MetLife Caregiving Cost Study: Productivity Losses to U.S. Business, July 2006.
  
  ** All of the above statistics and additional statistics can be found at the :  National Family Caregivers Association website