AUGUSTA — AARP Maine and the Alzheimer’s Association Maine Chapter celebrated Maine’s designation of November as Maine Family Caregivers Month, in concert with National Caregiver Month, by offering resources to support family caregivers and their loved ones.
The state Legislature passed a joint resolution earlier this year included the designation, which signals an opportunity to raise awareness about the pressing needs of family caregivers, the two organizations said.
“Annually,178,000 Mainers care for a spouse, parent or other loved one to help them live safely and independently at home,” said Amy Gallant, AARP Maine advocacy director. “Being a family caregiver is a labor of love, but it can also take a toll financially and emotionally. Caregivers should be able to focus on caring for their loved one with access to supports and services that help them provide that care.”
According to the AARP Public Policy Institute’s report, Valuing the Invaluable: 2015 Update, family caregivers in Maine provide 165 million hours of unpaid care annually, with an economic value of $2.22 billion statewide.
In April 2017, AARP Maine released the results from a survey of Maine caregivers. The survey revealed that Maine family caregivers believe it is important to help their loved ones live independently at home. However, the survey also uncovered many challenges for them. 59 percent reported using their own money to support their caregiving needs and 65 percent reported that they feel emotionally stressed because of their caregiving responsibilities.
The joint resolution also asked the state Legislature to consider certain measures that will include reviewing state policies and programs for their effectiveness in addressing the needs of family caregivers and their loved ones. Of note is the fact that federal legislation, the RAISE Family Caregivers Act, requires the development of a national strategy to support family caregivers. The RAISE Act became law in March, and was endorsed by AARP.
AARP Maine offers resources for caregivers including the state-specific Caregiver Resource Guide which is by emailing me@aarp.org. The AARP Caregiver Resource Center can also provide helpful tips and tools for family caregivers of all ages.
One growing concern in Maine is the support needed by families caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease.
“Caregivers are hit the hardest by the Alzheimer’s crisis and it is growing,” said Adam Lacher, director of advocacy at the Alzheimer’s Association Maine Chapter. “The 2018 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report reveals that 70 percent of care costs are borne by family caregivers directly through out-of-pocket expenses and the value of their unpaid care. There is an enormous financial, emotional and physical burden on Alzheimer’s caregivers and we are grateful for this legislation.”
The Alzheimer’s Association Maine Chapter provides individualized care consultations for anyone affected by the disease. The chapter also offers in-depth training for family caregivers and professionals, over three dozen support groups, educational programs covering topics such as diagnosis, warning signs, communication, living with Alzheimer’s disease and caregiving techniques. Information and referral services, care consultation, and support are available through the chapter’s toll-free 24/7 helpline at 1-800-272-3900 and online at alz.org. All chapter care and support services are confidential and provided free of charge.
