I've articulated the caregivers' predicament to 100s of policymakers and lawmakers, and for the most part, this problem is just not on their radar screen. There are a few expeditions, and ther are a few programs such as the National Family Caregiver Support Program, but an overall strategy of supporting caregivers, who supply more than $257 billion in care each year, simply does not exist. The answer that I keep getting is this: "it's a societal problem."

Meanwhile, where does a caregiver turn? Some of the forty six percent of caregivers who are now employed can turn to professional caregiving assistance via his or her employer, and some employers provide free, but limited, geriatric case managers to assist employees in negotiating thi path of family caregiving, but it can be costly.

For example, the home assessment costs $580, and a case manager earns an hourly rate of $125/hour.

In California, Caregiver Resource Centers provide some services free or at low cost, including social workers to assess the caregiving situation for current and future needs.

Those with access to a free home assessment should take advantage of it, especially before a health crisis occurs, and folks without long term care insurance coverage can get personal advice and free comparative rate quotes online.

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