In 2016, Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) reported one in six Montanan adults provided unpaid care or assistance to a friend or family member with a health problem or disability within the past 30 days. You may be a caregiver yourself or know others who have been, are currently or will end up becoming a caregiver at some point in their life. People who provide unpaid care for an elderly, ill or a disabled family member or friend in their home are called informal caregivers. Nearly half of informal caregivers assist someone who is 75 years old or older. As the elderly population continues to grow in Montana, so will the need for informal caregivers.

Caregiving can include everyday tasks, such as helping with meals, schedules and bathing and dressing. It can also include managing medicines, doctor visits, health insurance and money. An even bigger caregiver responsibility is the emotional support they provide.

Caregiving may help to strengthen connections to a loved one. Many find joy or fulfilment in looking after others but the strain of caregiving can become overwhelming. Most friends and family often take on the caregiving role without any training. They are expected to meet many complex demands without help. Most caregivers juggle the responsibilities of their own family and hold down a full-time job or other major responsibilities in addition to the hours of help they give to someone else.

Even with all of the rewards caregiving brings, there are substantial strains—financial, physical and emotional. A variety of long-term health problems have been linked to informal caregiving. Many agencies and resources are available in Montana to assist caregivers with information, training and respite in order to care for themselves and those they are caring for. MSU Extension has a lot of information and many programs available to assist caregivers. We can also get you connected with the many resources available.

To learn more, contact Janell at the Chouteau County Extension Office at 622-3036, janellb@montana.edu or in the green building next to the Chouteau County Courthouse at 1308 Franklin St in Fort Benton with any questions or for more information.

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Montana State University, US Department of Agriculture and Montana Counties Cooperating. MSU Extension is an equal opportunity/affirmative action provider of educational outreach.