Caring for an elderly or ill family member is an enormous responsibility. Not only does it cost a lot of money, but it also has severe emotional effects on the caregiver. There is a current petition for the development of a stamp that will acknowledge the sacrifices made by caregivers. The stamp will offer awareness to the general public. The idea is to inform people of the great load that comes along with being a caregiver. Some of the major issues for caregivers include the following:

• An estimated out of pocket expense of $5,531 per year which include travel and transportation, medical care co-payments, food and household goods

• These additional expenses result in the cutting of leisure activities, personal savings, vacations and putting off home improvements

• More than a third of caregivers use their own savings to provide for their loved one

• Almost half of current caregivers have had to quit their job in order to keep up with caregiving responsibilities

• The annual estimated expense is much higher for long-distance caregivers

• These expenses increase levels of stress and can have an effect on the over-all health of the caregiver

• The financial burden that comes along with being a caregiver can have serious emotional effects

Sources:

caregiving.org

stanford.wellsphere.com