State Director Publishes Advice for National Family Caregiver Month

Kelli Tungate, State Director of Caregiver Homes, an INARF member, recently wrote an opinion column for Fort Wayne’s Journal Gazette. Her column coincides with National Family Caregivers month, which has the national theme of “Respite: Care for Caregivers.” Tungate’s column urges those seeking care for loved ones to find the highest quality possible. She notes that this isn’t always easy because there is a “maze of resources” available, but offers some solutions for consideration.

INARF applauds Tungate’s outreach to the community and encourages other members to do the same. 

Below is Tungate’s full column:

When it comes to elder care, quality matters. Thousands of Hoosier families are faced with ensuring that their loved ones receive the best possible care on a daily basis. November is National Family Caregivers Month, and it is time to consider the options that exist for families in this situation. In Indiana, there are thousands of seniors who need some form of care daily to remain independent in their communities. The support they need ranges from grocery shopping to transportation to daily personal care needs such as assistance with bathing and dressing. Often, it is an uncompensated family member or friend who steps in to provide this care. In fact, statistics show that 90 percent of the long-term services and support provided to seniors in the United States is provided by unpaid caregivers. Fortunately, there are services available through each of the 16 Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) throughout Indiana that are there to support these caregivers. When you contact your local AAA, you will be connected with professionals who can guide you through the maze of resources and support your need to continue caring for your loved on at home. Options for care run the gamut of facility care to home- and community-based services for which your loved one may qualify. In fact, there are home-based service options that focus on providing you, the caregiver, with the tools you need to care for your loved one at home. For the senior, this means that they are able to maintain the comfort and familiarity of home while having their daily care needs met by someone they know and trust. A caregiver is typically a family member or close friend. Nephews and nieces can establish indelible bonds with their aunts and uncles. Sons and daughters have the opportunity to repay their mothers and fathers in kind for their work in raising them. It is wired within us, as members of community, to look after our elders, and life as a caregiver can be tremendously rewarding for all . While providing for the well-being of another is a noble calling, nobility doesn’t pay the bills. Programs exist that support those who care for their loved ones. They provide a stipend to caregivers, along with medical and logistical expertise. All it takes is a call or email to your local AAA office. Area Agencies on Aging can recommend programs covered by Medicaid, state waivers and private insurance. National Family Caregivers Month brings these issues into focus and serves as a reminder for Hoosiers to look into the options available for their elderly and disabled loved ones.