Work & Family Benefits, Inc. Values Package ®
Monthly Bulletin
January 2005

Whether you are near or far, caregiving is …

…. stressful, exhausting, frustrating !

When an elderly or disabled family member becomes ill and needs care, the responsibility often falls on family. Nearby family may find themselves expected (or expecting themselves!) to perform daily chores, help with personal care, prepare meals, transport to doctors' appointments, and more. This - on top of their own jobs, families, and other responsibilities - is true “caregiver burnout” material!

It is no easier if you are the “out-of-town” caregiver. Extra time and money are spent on travel and communication with the elder, as well as coordinating with the other caregivers. Long-distance caregivers often experience guilt , inability to focus at work , and frustration about being too far to visit the ill relative easily. They are also hindered from making day-to-day evaluations of the elder in order to help make appropriate care decisions.

Caregiving from close up or far away is hard. One of our most important jobs at Work & Family Benefits is to try to make it easier. We can brainstorm, research and help you and your family discover customized care resources for your family member's situation . So when caregiving is the issue, remember to give WFB a call!

We at Work and Family Benefits, Inc. are here to support you with your family's care needs. Call us at 1-800-328-4071 or visit www.wfbenefits.com .