OKDHS Launches New Resource Web Content for Informal Caregivers

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- Nationally, one out of every three people will find themselves caring for an elderly parent, spouse or relative at some point in their life.  In our state there are an estimated 400,000 Oklahomans acting as informal caregivers, 85 percent of whom are caring for a family member. The numbers are telling, but they don’t tell the whole story.
“Though there are no consistent numbers on abuse and neglect by informal caregivers, we see it happen frequently across the state,” said Barbara Kidder, program director, Oklahoma Department of Human Services, Adult Protective Services program.

According to Kidder, the story repeats itself with each incident. “People think because they raised their children, they can take care of an aging parent or a disabled spouse. But they sometimes find themselves under-informed, overwhelmed and stressed, that’s when the abuse and neglect occur.”

To help informal caregivers educate themselves and deal with the stresses of providing care for a vulnerable adult, OKDHS has launched a new Caregivers Resource List which can be found on the agency’s Web site, www.OKDHS.org.

This site contains links to resources for informal caregivers on subjects such as preventing burnout, caregiver stress, respite resources and sites that allow caregivers to network with other informal caregivers. 

“The one trigger we generally see in these types of cases is a lack of education,” said Kidder. “These are not bad people; they’re just overwhelmed and not fully aware of what they are dealing with.”

According to Kidder, there are three steps to make providing care for a loved one easier: First, research the condition of the person you are caring for and know what physical and mental symptoms accompany their condition; second, don’t be afraid to ask for and accept help; and third, don’t give up your own life, take care of yourself, too.

“We investigated more than 17,550 allegations of adult abuse and neglect in fiscal year 2007,” said Kidder. “We want to help ensure next year’s numbers don’t include informal caregivers. We want caregivers and those they are caring for, to remain healthy and safe.” 

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