Caregiver Stress and Suicide Prevention

Most people are unaware that the largest suicide demographic is now men over the age of 70 and a large number of them are caregivers to an aging spouse.  The suicide rate of men 70 and over is nearly 3 times the numbers of teen suicides.  It is important as a family caregiver that you reach out for support and not feel that you must do all things on your own.  Many insurance companies and also local social agencies offer case management services and can assist in getting a loved one all of the appointments and needed services.  These people are actually paid to sit on hold on the phone and fight with insurance companies over "uncovered" medical needs.  They also have access to many resources, such as caregiver support groups and volunteer service organizations.  If you are a family member of one of the caregivers over 70, as mentioned above, please know that when they actually do reach out for help, they truly need it.  Be actively involved as a support system to them.  Help them find resources so they are not overwhelmed.  Be alert to signs of depression, such as avoiding social events, avoiding necessary chores, neglecting personal hygiene, and oversleeping (or not sleeping enough).  Weight loss or gain is also a red flag.  Be aware if your elderly caregiver begins to give away important items, as though actively willing things before death.  Check in with them frequently, even if it is only by phone.  A daily call to say "hi" and see how someone is doing never killed anyone, but isolation certainly does.