Millions of middle age to older men in the United States are the primary caregivers for one or more of their disabled elderly parents. What does a male caregiver need today?
Recommendations for Male Caregivers
"Whether an ill relative has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, Lou Gehrig's disease, or a stroke, male caregivers often find their new role to be daunting and all-consuming," reports the non-profit Menstuff® in a 14-page report on its website.
Be Positive
"Most men have grown up in a household – and certainly a culture – in which females have been perceived as the primary family nurturers. Yet, often by necessity, more men than ever are rolling up their sleeves and helping an ill loved one with day-to-day tasks such as dressing, toileting, bathing, eating, changing dressings and managing medications," says Menstuff.
Menstuff recommends that men who focus on the positive aspects of caregiving will find the task and commitment less challenging. Many men described the companionship a most positive benefit aspect of their caregiving.
Focus on Yourself
Male caregivers need to focus on maintaining their own health. "Men experience more anxiety in handling the multiple demands of care, while also learning new skills," according to Betty J. Kramer, Ph.D, and Edward H. Thompson, Jr., Ph.D., in their book, Men as Caregivers. "Men have greater physical health difficulties and depression, do not tend to be familiar with dealing with social service agencies, and are often uncomfortable asking for help." The experts recommend that male caregivers see their own physicians on a regular basis, maintain a healthy diet and establish a regular exercise routine.
"If male caregivers do focus on maintaining their health, they are better able to equip themselves with the skills necessary to handle the care situations and needs," writes Kendra Micka, MSW, Family Consultant with the California-based Del Oro Caregiver Resource Center.
Find Support
Male caregivers need to learn about the many social, health and human services available in the community for himself as well as the patient, according to the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging. An AdvantAge survey reported that 35 percent of men age 65-plus were unaware of most services available locally.
On its website the organization offers a detailed listing of services plus contact information for Area Agencies on Aging, the starting point for assistance in every community in the nation.
Support services and programs for male caregivers have been launched in many communities throughout the nation. Some are disease-or-condition specific, such as those operated by the Alzheimer's Association and Muscular Dystrophy Association.