This article, part of a WSJ.com series with tips on elder-care, cites a series of new studies and reports on the emotional, physical and financial challenges of caring for aged or disabled loved ones. It suggests that just as people train for marathons and other sports, it is a good idea to train yourself in how to withstand the challenges of elder care.
Research show that the nearly 1 in 5 Americans who provide elder care face a sharply higher-than-average risk of dying themselves. Acdording to the Families and Work Institute, nearly half of U.S. workers expect to be providing elder care at some time during the next five years. Hidden financial costs of caregiving have widely been reported, including in a recent study by MetLife, as well as a recent article in SmartMoney on The Hidden Costs of Caregiving.
So educating and preparing yourself physically and mentally makes sense. It is important to try to eat right, exercise and take time off to stay strong amid chronic caregiving strain and to improve your mood, according to health care professionals.
Read More » Training to Be a Family Caregiver – WSJ.
