The importance of caring for caregivers

Just over a year ago, the Family Caregivers Center of Mercy opened its doors. Their goal: To support East Central Iowans who are caring for a spouse, parent, sibling, other relative or friend with chronic health conditions.

Now, the group is looking for volunteers and support to help expand their services. We hope more Eastern Iowans step up to help.

Founders of the Family Caregivers Center of Mercy wanted to create a caring, resourceful community to surround unpaid family caregivers. To help them learn from each other, connect to resources and feel heard and supported. As caregiver and coach Carole Butz told our editorial board recently, 'We need one another.”

Karen Dennis, who cares for a spouse with early-stage dementia, agreed.

'It's my lifeline,” Dennis said of the Caregivers Center, which served more than 300 caregivers in its inaugural year.

They developed the center without expectation of reimbursement - family caregiver support isn't covered under private insurance plans or government health programs. Their doors are open to anyone in the area - regardless of where they receive their medical care.

It is estimated that the 52,000 family caregivers in our region spend an average of 24 hours a week helping loved ones - performing household tasks, providing transportation, personal care and medical assistance. Family caregivers' contributions can significantly preserve the health and quality of life of those who are being cared for. They ease the strain on our professional medical and long-term care systems.

But their assistance, though unpaid, doesn't come without a cost.

Taking on a caregiving role can have negative effects on personal finances, employment or health. Caregivers may feel out of their depth and overwhelmed.

According to one recent national survey, 40 percent of caregivers said their role was 'highly stressful.” Nearly half of all working caregivers said they had used most or all of their savings to cover caregiving expenses. They are at higher risk for depression, illness and accidents than the general population.

We are proud to see area volunteers and donors coming forward to fill this critical need, and we urge more Eastern Iowans to support, and draw support from, this resource. We hope that more communities follow Mercy's lead.

And we hope, as policymakers continue health care discussions at the Statehouse and in Congress, they consider more seriously the value of family caregivers and their needs.

' Comments: (319) 398-8469; editorial@thegazette.com