02/21/2023
Compensation & Caregivers
Every Human Being, from my viewpoint, is totally equal to each other. Yet, how do we value ourselves and others in whatever situation we are experiencing.
Equal:
Pay;
Time off;
Housing;
Medical expenses;
Courses one desires to take;
Societal view or understanding of another’s worth/value;
Education.
Every situation can find one reviewing this and forming a perspective that is either over-valuing or under-valuing yourself and those around you. It is truly a tricky judgement call that can have immense spiritual, emotional or physical ramifications on your, and others, well being. Reviewing your perceived ‘worth’ can be best seen by graphs yet must allow for what you and others are truly able to provide in any circumstance that will provide the best possibilities for everyone health.
For instance… I only coached this one caregiver for about an hour. I listened to her story and assessed what I understand is needed in being a full time Caregiver. Then I gently coached her in reviewing the time she had given in the 10 years she has been taking care of her mother. Family members would occasionally come and assist giving her a ‘little’ time off. I gave her some information on the monetary amount that it would have cost her mother, and the family, to hire part-time and full time assistance over the last 10 years. We also talked about the tole it was during those years, as her mother’s health has naturally declined, on her financially, emotionally and physically.
Being with an elder and experiencing their progression can have an unseen tole on the Caregiver that is often not compensated for. How does one evaluate for this ‘priceless’ gift that is expected to be given by the Caregiver as viewed by family members who are not there on a daily basis. That is the spiritual and emotional tole. The financial tole is what compensation is given for the time they were unable to take on work outside of being a caregiver that could then be added to their retirement fund.
Well, this Lady had her mother in respite care for 5 days so that she could take a much needed rest and recharging of her personal energy. She was able to really have time to think about her role as a Caregiver towards her mother. Other family members went to be with this elder and saw first hand how unhappy this elder was not being in her own home. So… a family meeting was held and the elder’s case worker was also involved. The Caregiver handed an invoice to the group for the previous 10 years of care given to her mother. 24/7, 365 days for 10 years. The Invoice is for $500,000.00.
$500,000.00 divided by 10 years is
$50,000 a year.
$50,000.00 divided by 365 days equals
$136.986 per day.
Hired Caregivers, from an agency or an independent one, range from approximately $12.00 to $30.00 per hour or could be a lot more depending on the needs of the individual, their qualifications (CNA versus Care companion) or what the family wants accomplished. Plus you really don’t know the kind of care your elder will get from outside sources, no matter if the ‘background’ check comes out clean. Outside sources can also just provide what the Caregiver may feel uncomfortable doing such as assistance with getting up in the morning, getting ready for bed at night and/or showering.
Oh yes, this daughter loves her mother and has been grateful for the time with her mother yet now understands that she really wasn’t financially compensated for the time, devoted to her mother, that would help her when her mother passes away. Money that could have been earned outside the home for her own ‘retirement’.
The family did not question the invoice and even thanked her for all the time she has given to her mother. They also realized that when family members come to assist, and stay for an extended time, that they also need to be compensated. What a huge weight that was lifted from this Caregiver’s being in witnessing her family recognizing the worth of taking care of an elder.
Now what she asked for may not work for ALL families as the money available will be different in each circumstance. YET - please look at your worth or the worth of the Caregiver for your loved one and compensate as you can. It may mean giving them weekend or weeks off in order for the Caregiver to get the rest and re-energizing time that they need.
I’ve coached other Caregivers, who lived with or took on 90-100% of the elders needs, who were able to have siblings (who lived too far away to be there in person) create, and add money to, an account that was solely for paying for other Caregivers to come and assist as needed. This is another way to take a huge weight off of the primary Caregiver.
SO - if you, as a Caregiver, are feeling overwhelmed, or becoming more depressed which shows up in many ways, get a family meeting set and make sure an outside Case worker or manager is there that truly can assist in getting family members the chance to more full comprehend what your needs are as a Caregiver. The case worker may also know of what is available through Medicare, Medicaid or insurance policies that might provide some financial assistance. This can help make the time you and the one you are caring for have a more fulfilling, nurturing, and joyfilled time.
