Empath Health Community Outreach Specialist Kelly Siegel
Caring for Mom
For 11 years, Kelly Siegel and her family came together providing loving care to her mom at home. As the family members were also in the workforce, they brought in and used some outside organizations to help with her care, including physician, nursing, long-time diversion and Suncoast Hospice services. Their goal was to give her as much comfort and happiness as possible.
“We each fell in to our roles. I was her primary caregiver and my two brothers, sister-in-law and niece all helped, too, with handy-work, financials and other responsibilities. Mom had some issues with mobility and was bed-ridden for many months. I assisted with her medications, supplies and daily personal care. Hospice came in and adjusted her medications so she could be more engaged and have good days. They helped us keep her at home,” said Siegel, an Empath Health community outreach specialist.
Impact on Caregivers & Workforce
In today’s society, more and more people are balancing their jobs and families while caring for their loved ones at home. A recent RAND Corporation study “found that three out of five family caregivers are also in the labor force” and “estimates that these double-duty workers are providing 22 billion hours of unpaid care each year,” according to a Right at Home e-newsletter article. It also reported, “It is estimated that American companies lose $25 billion annually due to the lost productivity of caregiver employees.”
“Employees could lose social security and other benefits if they quit their jobs. For companies, it may mean a loss of expertise if they have to re-train or possibly lose good employees they’ve had for years, instead of working with those employees to help them get through these times,” Siegel said.
Community Panel
Working to raise awareness of caregiver issues, resources and services, Siegel recently served on Empath Health’s The Working Caregiver panel held at Dunedin Public Library. Other panelists were Theresa Smalling in human resources and risk management for the City of Dunedin and Beverly Burton of the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Area Agency on Aging for Pinellas and Pasco Counties. Luanne Reese of Mease Manor Retirement Community moderated the event and nearly 25 people from the community attended.
The panel focused on the local support available; self-care tips featuring a demonstration of laughter yoga; FMLA; and other workplace benefits. Many attendees also submitted caregiving tips to share at future caregiver events.
An Empath Health program that offers all-inclusive care and support to chronically-ill seniors and their families is Suncoast PACE. “Our PACE program provides respite, so working caregivers can know their loved ones will be safe while they’re at work. Some other local resources Siegel shares include:
• SHINE
• Veterans Aid and Attendance
• AARP
• Alzheimer’s Association
• Aging & Disability Resource Centers
• Area Agency on Aging
Life-Changing Experience
As a former working caregiver, Siegel encourages others providing care to seek assistance, spend focused and quality time with everyone in their lives, and enjoy their time caregiving.
“Many people start out small, going by and doing grocery shopping or other tasks for their loved ones. It’s important to maintain a work-life balance. You have to do self-preservation and make boundaries. When you’re with family, try to give 100%, and likewise if you’re at work or with the person you’re caring for. Try to have fun and be flexible,” Siegel said.
Looking back on her family’s experience, it was transformative, she says. “We not only cared for mom, it changed our lives, too. Three of us now work in health care.”
Caring for a family member or friend? Find support at our monthly Caregiver Coffee Break meetings at our community service centers, and other events.
Need a little encouragement? Check out these 5 tips from The Working Caregiver panel:
1. Have self-compassion.
2. Laugh as much as you can.
3. Make plans with your friends.
4. Have things to look forward to.
5. Ask for help.