JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — As Florida residents continue to age, and a shortage of healthcare workers grows, family caregivers are stepping in to fill the gap. However, the daily juggle is causing burnout and increased depression.
“It gets challenging for sure and there are times when it’s really emotionally exhausting,” Vanessa Francis said with her 83-year-old father by her side.
Richmond was once a lineman while balancing two other jobs to help make ends meet for his family. An Alzheimer’s diagnosis three years ago slowed him down, but Vanessa has not.
“A guy who worked three jobs taking care of all of us and now he can’t press a button and get out of his seat belt. It’s hard sometimes to see that,” she told Action News Jax’s Robert Grant.
Vanessa is a family caregiver and fills the gap of a shortage of professional caregivers. But AARP says there’s been a sharp decline of family caregivers as well, from possibly seven potential caregivers to one elderly person at risk back in 2010 to just four for every one elderly person by 2030.
“It can be overwhelming to know where to start — and caregivers are focused on so many other things day to day taking care of themselves and their family member,” Kyle Sanchez, the business development manager for ElderSource in Jacksonville, said.
He added that about 90% of the organization’s enrolled family caregivers struggle with depression.
ElderSource provides free resources for family caregivers, including a six-week training. You can learn more HERE.
“Just feeling like you’re not alone and there’s somebody out there with the same struggle,” Vanessa said about the organization’s support group. She said she learned to focus on her care as much as her dad’s care, and she wants to send the same message to others.
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