Thousands across Miami struggle to manage work schedules, parenting responsibilities, and personal lives while also caring for their aging parents. For many, it can seem overwhelming, and the consequence of not striking a good balance can be devastating.
According to the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, 11 percent of the more than 20 million working Americans who care for aging parents or relatives will take a leave of absence and 10 percent will leave their jobs. Along with missed career opportunities, these caregivers will suffer set backs to wages and retirement income.
In addition to financial hardships, working caregivers can experience a full range of health issues. A 2011 study on baby boomers caring for parents from MetLife found that these individuals are more likely to have fair or poor health than those who do not provide care to their parents. Earlier studies have also shown that stress, incidence of heart disease, and depression are all negatively associated with family caregiving.
Working caregivers often feel it is all up to them to figure out how to man-age limited time and financial resources. They don’t even think to look for help, though that’s exactly what they need. The good news is there is help to be found.
Doral is home to United HomeCare’s Caregiver Resource Center, the only center in Miami dedicated exclusively to assisting non-professional caregivers for frail elderly and disabled adults. The center offers complimentary information about care solutions, links to community resources, caregiver education, support groups and wellness activities for family caregivers.
The Caregiver Resource Center is located at 8400 NW 33rd Street on the fourth floor. It is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Additional information can be found online at www.unitedhomecare.com or by calling (305) 716-0710.
United HomeCare, one of the largest home health and community care services organizations in Florida, is dedicated to providing home health and community care solutions that promote independence and wellness. The nonprofit was born of the United Way in 1974, and today has a staff of more than 800 employees and volunteers providing care for over 5,000 clients across Miami-Dade County.
