A couple of weeks ago I was part of a special panel with two people I admire greatly. We had the pleasure of serving together on the same Ohio FFA state officer team long ago. We were invited to speak to current college students who have finished their terms as FFA state officers in recent years.
One question posed to us was about what surprises us most right now. Both of my colleagues are only children, so they were quick to share about the unique position of caring for both aging parents and their own young children. Even with siblings, is it a unique time of life when sandwiched between your parents and your children.
About 1 in 3 adults in the United States is an informal or family caregiver. This is anyone who helps another person in need, like an ill spouse, a child with a disability or an aging relative. According to the Mayo Clinic, caregivers report higher levels of stress than do people who are not caregivers.
It may be helpful to have some assistance with in-home care or other assistance. Within the Ohio Department of Medicaid is the Ohio Benefits Long-Term Services and Supports. Their website at ohiohelps.org is a good resource to look for options. You can search by location and by types of service. There are a variety of services to search including in-home care, companion care, caregiver relief, assistive devices and much more.
Caregivers who work outside the home can feel burdened. It can be difficult to balance working and caregiving. If you can afford to do so, you may want to consider taking a leave from your job for a time to focus on caregiving. Employees covered under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act may be able to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave a year to care for relatives. Visit with your human resources office about the choices you would have for unpaid leave.
Ohio Department of Aging offers connection to the National Family Caregiver Support Program. ODA shares that “caregivers who access and use support services report fewer negative emotions, such as depression, anxiety and anger.” You can learn more by contacting our local Area Agency on Aging – Region 9 at 800-945-4250 or aaa9.org.
The Ohio State University Extension Aging team is hosting a webinar series this May from noon to 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays. The theme for these sessions is Connected and Resilient: Thriving Together in Later Life. May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This series will focus on the mental wellness of older adults and their care partners, particularly centered around the importance of social connection.
The May 13 session offers a caring look at suicide risk in older adults, addressing warning signs, dispelling myths and sharing powerful stories of hope and recovery.The May 20 session will offer fresh ideas for social engagement, build a simple personal connection plan and explore community resources that help older adults stay connected and thriving.
The May 27 session for professionals and caregivers shares easy-to use tools, supportive conversation techniques and trusted resources to help others thrive and stay connected.
You can register for these free webinars at go.osu.edu/agingwebinarseries. You may attend one session of particular interest to you or you may attend all sessions. Each presentation will be recorded and shared with those who register.
Today, I’ll leave you with this quote from Sophia Loren: “There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.”
Emily Marrison is the OSU Extension Family & Consumer Sciences Educator in Coshocton County and Assistant Professor at The Ohio State University. She may be reached at 740-622-2265 or marrison.12@osu.edu.
This article originally appeared on Coshocton Tribune: Emily Marrison explores caregiving, community and power of connection
Reporting by Leonard L. Hayhurst, Emily Marrison, Special to the Tribune / Coshocton Tribune
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