By: Jan Sturges, M.Ed., LPC
Caregiving Coordinator, UA Life and Work Connections

Do you know someone (maybe that person is you) who faces the challenge of balancing professional responsibilities, academic pursuits, being a good parent and caring for a dependent older adult? For many caregivers, these tasks are typically "all in a day's work." Over time, caregivers can become physically and emotionally overwhelmed by competing expectations from family, friends, work and study colleagues, as well as the person who needs continuous assistance. There is good news: comprehensive resources and elder care consultation services are available through UA Life & Work Connections.
Currently, someone is caring for a dependent older adult in 1 out of every 5 U.S. households, and at least two thirds of caregivers work outside the home. So, you probably know someone who fits this description. Most caregivers see themselves in relationship with the person who needs help - a spouse, son, daughter, sibling, friend, or neighbor; they don't identify themselves as "caregivers." As a result, many do not seek community support services, and the constant demands of caregiving can become pervasive. One third of caregivers develops chronic health conditions, potentially life-threatening illnesses or suffers from depression. In addition, working caregivers report having to make phone calls at work, rearrange their work schedule or leave work early to meet the increasing care needs of the dependent elder. Many turn down promotions, reduce work hours, quit their jobs or retire early - a loss of valuable work experience for both employers and employees.
The challenges of caregiving may be numerous, but so are the opportunities for getting the support you need. Life & Work Connections is the best place to start. I provide supportive, one-on-one customized assistance to benefits eligible faculty, staff, appointed personnel and students. My consultation includes a "take home" packet with reference materials designed to address your unique circumstances. You will be given an easy-to-follow resource manual, How To Be A Resilient Caregiver, which includes local, state and national elder care resources on everything from in-home care, residential living, legal, financial and long-term care planning to articles on how to care for yourself while caring for someone else.
Research indicates that when caregivers utilize community resources (employer-based programs, caregiver support programs, services for the dependent adult), the person needing care is able to live at home at least two years longer than caregivers who shoulder elder care duties on their own.
So, be kind to yourself, the person who depends on you, or someone you know who is a caregiver, by seeking or recommending help before a crisis occurs. Making use of the right resources at the right time enables everyone to create a better balance between personal, family, professional and educational responsibilities. And, it creates the opportunity for replacing a life driven by external demands with a life enhanced by purpose, meaning and reciprocal relationships.
For more information, to schedule a one-on-one elder care consultation or to schedule an in-department presentation, contact Jan Sturges, Caregiving Coordinator, at 520.626.4770 or email sturgesj@email.arizona.edu
Statistics Source: Family Caregiver Alliance - Fact Sheet: Selected Caregiver Statistics