Government Response to Current Caregiving Challenges
Unlike other work set-ups, caregivers or health workers cannot wait for ideal conditions to come, even with a transpiring pandemic. They continue to work through the same work structure every single day. With the virus heightening the pre-existing humanitarian fragility and vulnerability, there are more stressors given to caregivers. It means that they are facing more work than usual. The disrupted access to services and support systems is only two of the many things that caregivers are adjusting for. We recognized caregivers as the ones providing care, but how are caregivers being supported in times of a pandemic? Are they given enough aid and assistance?
If you are taking care of elderly family members, you know how much endurance it requires. You need to have resilience and emotional support as you go through the journey of taking care of an aging loved one. “One Caregiver’s Journey” is a must-read book compellingly authored by Eleanor Gaccetta for all caregivers. It is a personal memoir detailing a realistic account of her 9 ½ year life as a caregiver. She offers enlightenment to caregivers to keep resilience burning.
Caregivers are at the forefront; they are working continuously to protect and care for seniors. Luckily, there are community resources for you and your senior loved one to benefit from. If you haven’t been looking through the federal, state, and local government programs, this blog can help you.
The University of Pittsburgh conducted a study of the caregiver landscape policy in the U.S. They found ways on how the government addresses the needs of family caregivers. There are government resources that you should know about to aid you and make ends meet in your favor. The following charities can assist you in finding and affording care for your loved one. If not, these can also help you obtain respite care for yourself:
Support Programs
National Family Caregiver Support Program this program grants support family and informal caregivers who care for their loved ones. This provides five types of services including, assistance to caregivers in gaining access to the services and individual counseling, organization of support groups, and caregiver training. Services like these will reduce the probable caregiver depression, anxiety, and stress in times like these.
Medical and Hospital Insurance
Seniors older than 65 are eligible to acquire the federal health insurance program, Medicare, as long as they have worked full time for at least 10 years. Medicare, is a combination of the mandatory assessed to all workers and employers from their 2.9 % payroll tax. Seniors may be eligible for physician visits, hospital and drug benefits as part of coverage. You can opt to purchase additional coverage for hearing, glasses and dental services.
Financial Aid
Previous stimulus checks have been distributed and in the year 2020 and have helped in the rise of personal income, consumer spending, and personal savings. It has aided in employment-based income for many households from the economic damage that the pandemic has created—especially for those Americans with lower income. As for the elderly, anyone who receives Social Security benefits has also received the stimulus checks.
Monthly Payments
Social Security is more than just a retirement program. And it also serves as life insurance. Many people with disabilities are benefiting from it as well through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Security does not provide cost of living increases that are equal to the economy. Some elder workers who receive partial or no benefits will fall into poverty. Each month, about 42 million retired workers in the United States receive benefits, as per the National Academy of Social Insurance.
To support seniors in times of crisis like this, caregivers should also be taken care of and given what they need. With the emergence of variants posing more threats to people, caregivers are still left restless. With the help of these charitable movements mentioned in the points above, it somehow makes way for caregivers to acquire assistance and support if they meet program requirements. One way or another, when caregivers are being fully subsidized, a safe, stable home environment for the person in their care is guaranteed.
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