In just a few days it will be Labor Day, the unofficial end of summer, and the federal holiday established in 1894 to honor “the contributions that workers have made to the strength, prosperity, laws, and well-being of the country.” (Did you know that in 1887, Oregon was the first state to make Labor Day an official public holiday?)
One segment of the labor force that is largely undervalued and unappreciated — but essential to the health and well-being of millions of older adults — are the paid and unpaid caregivers.
Unpaid family caregivers, usually a spouse or an adult child, are the backbone of long-term care. They never asked to be a caregiver but there is often no other option to care for their loved ones, to make sure they are comfortable and safe. It is emotionally draining, balancing caregiving with their own care and responsibilities — often creating a mixture of exhaustion, guilt and resentment.
Today it is estimated there are 34.2 million unpaid family caregivers in the United States whose contribution to the U.S. economy is worth roughly $600 billion per year. Because we are living longer and have fewer children who are often living too far away, the share of available family caregivers will keep shrinking, outpacing the supply — and it is expected to get worse.
Consequently, over the next decade, those of us who will need care — and that may be most of us — caring for us will fall upon professional caregivers either in our homes or in assisted living facilities.
But there is good news. In the next several years there will be additional Medicaid funding to hire professional in-home caregivers, and many more older adults will be eligible, so they can continue to live in their homes and avoid expensive assisted living facilities.
But there is also bad news. Even with the increased funding, there may not be enough professional caregivers to meet the demand. For example, the demand for professional caregivers in Oregon is expected to increase dramatically by 2030, with an estimated 10,000 more caregivers needed to meet the demand. And worse, due to high turnover, an aging workforce, and increasing demand, estimates show that Oregon will likely need to recruit, hire and train closer to 65,000 more care providers to keep up.
So as we enjoy the Labor Day weekend and celebrate the workers who are the backbone of our nation’s economy, let us not forget the professional and family caregivers who labor tirelessly to support the health and well-being of millions of older adults.
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On the lighter side is this dialogue from the movie Miss Congeniality that reminds us of how easily the English language can be misinterpreted.
Stan Fields: “Describe your perfect date.”
Cheryl: “That’s a tough one. I’d have to say April 25. Because it’s not too hot and not too cold. All you need is a light jacket.”
The next question for your “Soul Portrait:” What do you like to celebrate?
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BRAIN TEASE: If it took Alex, Billie, and Charlie exactly 60 minutes to dig a hole, how long would it take for them to dig half a hole?
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The name of the weekly Saturday morning children’s show where the host Don Hubert played a science hobbyist was “Watch Mr. Wizard.” I received correct answers from Judy Kiser, Lana Tepfer, Dave Lutgens, Donna Mollet, Nancy Higgins and Bruce Johnson, this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket. And last week I must have been dozing off because I missed Bruce Johnson, Ken Jernstedt, Pat Evenson-Brady, Rebecca Abrams and Gary VanOrman.
In the 1950s, I remember watching Saturday morning westerns starring this singing cowboy. For this week’s “Remember When” question, who was the former rodeo performer who became one of the biggest western stars of all time, starring in movies and his own television series, as well as recording more than 600 songs? Email mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or send it with a recording of his signature song “Back in the Saddle Again.”
Well, it’s been another week, enjoying the unwinding of summer. Until we meet again, now that it is cooler we can start wearing real clothes again.
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“My definition of an intellectual is someone who can listen to the William Tell Overture without thinking of the Lone Ranger.”
—Billy Connolly
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Nutritious home-delivered and in-person meals are available at noon Monday through Friday unless otherwise noted.
Seniors of Mosier Valley (541-980-1157) — Wednesdays with music on 2nd and 4th Wednesdays; Mt. Hood Townhall (541-308-5997) — Tuesdays; Hood River Valley Adult Center (541-386-2060); Sherman County Senior and Community Center (541-565-3191); The Dalles Meals-on-Wheels (541-298-8333).
For meal sites in Washington, call Klickitat County Senior Services: Goldendale office (509-773-3757) or the White Salmon office (509-493-3068), and in Skamania County call Senior Services (509-427-3990).
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