In May, Larimer County Office on Aging hosted the third bi-annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day at The Ranch. Approximately 200 professionals attended the event to learn about issues and prevention. Program Manager Lynda Meyer gave an introduction followed by County Commissioner John Kefalas, who gave the 2019 proclamation.
Dr. Barry Jacobs
Keynote speaker Dr. Barry Jacobs, a clinical psychologist working with caregivers for over 30 years, gave a presentation on “Preventing Family Caregiver Abuse.” Dr. Jacobs gave an overview on caregiving in America, negative & positive effects, elder mistreatment, and building caregiver resilience. He explained how he admired his father as a caregiver and decided on psychology to help other caregivers. Ultimately, Dr. Jacobs became a caregiver for his mother.
Over 40 million Americans engage in caregiving on an annual basis. Interestingly 20 years ago, 70% of caregivers were women, but today has decreased to 60%.
Ultimately, caregivers have become pseudo case managers providing many similar duties. From a 2015 survey, 38% of spousal caregivers were highly stressed, 45% somewhat stressed, and 16% were not stressed!
Unfortunately, many military caregivers live with combat spouses who have PTSD issues. This makes their caregiving even more difficult resulting in divorces and requires experienced help.
Currently, over five million Americans experience dementia. The average life span for dementia patients is 7 to 8 years. Because of the medical problems associated with dementia, 50% of caregivers suffer mild depression. From a 1999 survey, caregiver deaths increased by 63% due to stress and poor personal care. In a 2013 survey, caregivers had a 18% reduced death rate compared to non-caregivers. With local programs and classes for helping caregivers, the stress rate and death rate has decreased.
Dr. Jacobs gave examples of caregiver testimonials on mistreatment from his practice and asked for audience participation. Several audience members provided similar testimonials on caregiving and elder abuse by family members.
Elder mistreatment varies in verbal, physical, sexual, financial, psychological, and neglect abuses. The majority of elder abusers are family members, who may have substance abuse or mental health problems.
Dr. Jacobs provided a 7 point caregiver assessment for new caregivers to see if they are qualified to be family caregivers. He related that caregiving is a marathon and not a sprint where you may think as caregiving for a short time period. Love alone is not a good reason for being a family caregiver. It depends on your family values and having a Christian background.
Dr. Jacobs moderated a panel of experts comprised of Katie Fahrenbruch, Alzheimer’s Assoc. Regional Director; Emily Heindel, County Adult Protective Services; Dr Roger Bermingham, Geriatrician; Lynette McGowan, County Caregiver Support Coordinator; Liz Morgan, Larimer Advance Care Planning Team; and Cheryl Jacobs, deputy at Larimer County Sheriff’s Office.
Dr. Jacobs asked each panel member to provide an overview of their operation and discuss elder abuse issues. Basically, most of the panel indicated the same issues on physical, financial, sexual, and neglect abuses. All agreed most family caregivers need education on caregiving and obtain advanced directives for their loved ones. Additionally, report elder abuse to local law enforcement or Adult Protective Services.
Commissioner Kefalas closed the event indicating more caregiver services should be adopted at the county level plus let elders live at home with dignity.
There are multiple resources in Larimer County for caregivers. Please contact the Office on Aging at 970-498-7750 to learn about educational classes for family caregivers.