![\"ACSIA](\"https:\/\/www.send2press.com\/wire\/images\/16-0627-ACSIA-Partners-600x450.jpg\")
\nIn most U.S. households an out-of-the-blue \u201cjob offer\u201d will suddenly appear.<\/p>\n
KIRKLAND, Wash., April 18, 2017 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — \u201cAmerica faces a senior health crisis that is also an employment crisis,\u201d says Denise Gott, CEO of ACSIA Partners, one of the nation\u2019s largest long-term care insurance agencies.<\/p>\n
\nIn most U.S. households an out-of-the-blue \u201cjob offer\u201d will suddenly appear.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis can be disruptive,\u201d says Gott, \u201cbut with good planning, it needn\u2019t be.\u201d<\/p>\n
The demand for senior caregiving is huge. About 70% of those over 65 will need help with the activities of daily living at some point, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. \u201cThese activities are basic tasks we normally take for granted,\u201d says Gott. \u201cThings like eating, moving around, bathing, and toileting.\u201d<\/p>\n
In families with two or more seniors, the odds approach 100% that at least one will need caregiving services sooner or later. That creates millions of caregiving \u201cjobs.\u201d Most go to unpaid family members or friends, and their ranks are legion.<\/p>\n
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 40 million unpaid caregivers currently look after adults ages 65 and older. That\u2019s more than a quarter of the entire U.S. workforce. And new caregivers enter the ranks every year.<\/p>\n
When these services are extensive, the toll on the caregiver can be great. According to a 2015 report from the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, heavy-duty caregivers (who often perform medical or nursing tasks without preparation) reported negative effects. A majority, 63%, said the intense caregiving made their own health worse.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd when full-time caregiving also leads to quitting your job or reducing your work hours,\u201d says Gott, \u201cfinancial stresses make matters worse.\u201d<\/p>\n
When volunteer caregiving is more limited, it can be a different story. \u201cThe extent of caregiving seems key,\u201d observes Gott. \u201cIt would appear that some caregiving is OK and even enriching.\u201d She points to a Pew Research study revealing that most caregivers found caring for an older loved one rewarding.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe right balance is vital,\u201d says Gott. \u201cSupplying some care personally, and hiring professionals to supply the rest.\u201d<\/p>\n
Appropriate services for family members include companionship; emotional support; handling paperwork such as paying bills; and assisting with some, but not all, activities of daily living.<\/p>\n
Appropriate services for professionals include monitoring the loved-one during working hours; helping with activities of daily living when family cannot be present; and any assistance requiring medical or nursing skill.<\/p>\n
To be in a position to pay for professional caregiving, Gott\u2019s organization recommends five options:<\/p>\n
\u201cOur advisors are glad to walk anyone through these options, in person or by phone,\u201d says Gott.<\/p>\n