AARP is out with its latest state-by-state estimate of the economic value of family caregivers’ unpaid contributions. The organization says the efforts of unpaid family caregivers in South Dakota have an economic value of $1.4-billion.
Mary Michaels, associate state director for the group’s South Dakota office, says with an aging population, these individuals have turned into an important safety net amid rising health-care costs and a rash of nursing home closures across the region.
“It just really comes down to those family members who step up and say, ‘You know, I will take care of you. I will come into your home and provide meals or medication assistance or transportation to appointments.'”
Karla Abbott is an associate professor of nursing at Augustana University and an AARP volunteer. She says an added wrinkle to the role of caregivers is that money is tight for a lot of people right now because of higher consumer costs. And she says becoming a caretaker often sneaks up on people.
“It could be as sudden as, ‘My mother took a fall and now broke her hip and now can’t go back home.'”
Abbott adds there’s no guidance for young adults to plan for these situations. And in rural states such as South Dakota, she says the challenges facing caregivers are more pronounced.
“Oftentimes, our parents are in rural areas so it’s more distance to travel. You have to pay people to check in on them.”
Last year, A-A-R-P launched a project with South Dakota’s Helpline Center for a free service. Through the partnership, family caregivers can sign up for phone or text support from trained staff.
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