One of the largest sectors in North American culture is Family Caregivers. There are currently an estimated 65 Million Americans are Currently Family Caregivers. 

But that number is undoubtedly ready to soar because at the Rate the Coronavirus is Spreading, virtually 100% of us may become Caregivers sometime this year.

Joining us is Peter Rosenberger, the leading authority on family caregiving in the United States and author of the book 7 Caregiver Landmines and How to Avoid Them.  

Q&A:

1) Did I have the current number right? There are 65 MILLION family caregivers? Perhaps it’s 6.5 million, right?

Answer: No. You had it right the first time. There are an estimated 65 million family caregivers in America today. 

2) At the rate the Coronavirus is spreading, is it possible that virtually 100% of Americans will soon be Caregivers?

Answer: Yes, so it’s better to learn something about caregiving while you’re healthy rather than wait until it becomes ‘the sick leading the sick.’ 

3) What is the best outcome for us if hospitals announce they are full and start turning patients away?

Answer: Every home has some similarity to hospitals. We need to adopt many of the same healthy procedures in our homes. 

4) Who’s at Risk for Coronavirus?

Answer: Coronavirus targets elderly, overweight, diabetic, and other otherwise at-risk individuals.

5) What are some things that caregivers struggle with? 

Answer: Excessive Weight Gain is significant issue for many caregivers. Caregivers often fail to see to their medical needs …while struggling to care for another. Caregivers consistently deal with high stress circumstances which comprise our abilities to stay healthy.

6) What has your experience been with hospital stays caregivers and those they care for?

Answer: Staying out of the hospital is imperative …they can be a brick and mortar petri dish.  

6) Tell us about your own caregiving experience of your wife

7) Give us some general tips on caregiving:

Answers: 

Reducing FALL RISKS

More than 9 Million ER Visits each year due to falls

Over 65 group represent 69% of hospitalization caused by falls

Caregivers can reduce fall risks for themselves and their loved ones by:

Keep well-lit rooms

Remove fall hazards such as throw rugs

Install grab bars in bathrooms

If you have a pedestal sink in bathroom, replace with a cabinet or ensure it’s secured properly (People use it to lean on)

Wear comfortable shoes and avoid heels.

Make multiple trips to the car …instead of trying to carry too much into the house. Caregivers are often in a hurry …and that’s when accidents happen

Keep bathrooms and kitchen areas clean

Watch for mold/mildew buildup

Hydrate

Make sure to thoroughly clean CPAP and other breathing assisted devices (for both caregivers and patients)

More healthcare treatment goes on in the home with caregivers than in the doctor’s office.  Rest UP! 

Tech:

Consider an app/telemedicine service to avoid getting loved ones out for routine physician visits …particularly on damp days.

When it comes to fighting this virus, all hands need to be on deck—but the caregiver’s hands are often overlooked.  

Roll up those sleeves, wash those hands (singing “Happy Birthday” twice while washing ensures the proper amount of time), and keep yourself healthy.  For the Silo, Peter Rosenberger/specialguests.com

“Healthy Caregivers Make Better Caregivers!”

ABOUT PETER ROSENBERGER
Peter Rosenberger is the host of the national radio program, HOPE FOR THE CAREGIVER and the author of several books including 7 Caregiver Landmines And How You Can Avoid Them. He’s cared for his wife, Gracie, for more than 30 years through her 80+ operations and multiple amputations. www.hopeforthecaregiver.com @hope4caregiver