Roughly 34 million Americans provide unpaid help and support to older loved ones.
They take on many forms: They’re wives, husbands, adult children, siblings, spouses, neighbors, or friends. Some live with their loved ones, others across town. And they do everything from sharing a cup of tea to managing medications and attending doctor visits. Their situations vary widely, but all of these individuals are caregivers.
Most caregivers pour themselves into helping their loved ones, with little assistance along the way. AARP data shows that 84 percent of caregivers say they could use more information or help, on topics ranging from stress management to keeping their loved ones safe.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota aims to provide that much-needed help with caregivercornermn.com, developed specifically to support the more than 700,000 caregivers of older adults in Minnesota. The site, geared specifically toward caregivers of loved ones age 60 and older, serves as a one-stop resource for caregivers. It provides information on home services, housing options, tools and education for managing care, supporting loved ones with advanced illnesses, and much more.
It also features inspiring, relatable stories from other caregivers and health care professionals from throughout the state, and links to valuable resources that can provide assistance for everything from transportation to chores to housing needs.
Jeanne Parsons, program manager in Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s Stars and Risk Adjustment Center of Excellence, oversaw the development of the site. Parsons says it was clear that caregivers needed more guidance, for their own benefit and the benefit of their loved ones.
“There’s a lot of stress for caregivers and we understand that,” Parsons says. “They have a direct impact on the health of the person they’re caring for. If the caregiver is burnt out, they not only can’t provide the best care for their loved one, they might also struggle to take care of themselves.”
Caregiving is a marathon, not a sprint, and Blue Cross wants to give its members the tools to be successful.