Over the holidays, I spent some time sitting in airports between flights, which I actually don’t mind too much. As a child my grandmother introduced me to the fine art of people-watching and there is no better place to do this than in an airport during Christmas.

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I saw families of all shapes and sizes traveling with everything from strollers and car seats to wheelchairs.

We’ll need help at some time in our lives, whether it’s with mobility or some sort of medical care and supervision. There are approximately 34 million Americans providing care for parents or relatives. According to the AARP the average number hours per week spent in this capacity is twenty-one. If you are in this category, you’re not alone. There are programs and resources that may help you as a caregiver.

The demographics of Southwest Florida dictate that there is a large percentage of people who are in the need of some sort of assistance. But who takes care of the caretaker?

According to the National Alliance for Care giving and the AARP, primary caregivers are often full-time employees — 41 percent of female caregivers work full time. Employers are noticing the trend and responding with benefits and services designed specifically for these needs.

Specific programs and policies vary by company. A 2006 survey conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management found that 26 percent of companies offer eldercare referral services, 5 percent provide emergency eldercare support and 3 percent subsidize expenses related to care giving. Some businesses are taking the lead by sponsoring seminars and workshops on eldercare issues, establishing discussion groups for employees and allowing for more flexibility in schedules.

It’s important to ask if your employer has an employee assistance program for caregivers, and to learn what is included in that program. If one doesn’t exist, you might suggest it. The availability of these programs lags behind the demand, but the trend is gaining momentum. Having support and flexibility from your employer can be a big help and a huge relief.

The Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), introduced with the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, is considered by many to be the future of eldercare as more seniors become empowered to maintain some degree of independence. An optional benefit under both Medicare and Medicaid, PACE offers comprehensive medical, rehabilitative and social services to eligible participants in adult day health centers, inpatient long-term care facilities or at home.

The goal of the program is to allow participants to remain in their homes and communities while maintaining their quality of life through healthcare, home health aides, transportation

and recreational activities. Minimum service requirements include primary care services, social services, restorative therapy, personal care and supportive services, nutritional counseling, recreational therapy and meals.

As with most everything else, the Internet is a great place to look for news, resources and support to help you as a caregiver. From eldercare service locators and informational brochures to interactive discussion forums, finding the ways and means to manage care can be just a click away.

Here are some reputable sites to check out:

eldercare.gov — A locator for services, this site provides a nationwide directory of eldercare programs.

caremanager.org — Geriatric care managers are health and human services specialists who help families coordinate the care of older relatives. This National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers site allows users to learn more about the services geriatric care managers provide and locate care managers in their areas.

benefitscheckup.org — A service of the National Council on Aging, the site allows users to find benefits programs that help pay for prescription drugs, healthcare, rent, utilities and other needs.

caregiver.org — This site of the Family Caregiver Alliance® includes state-by-state resource listings, personal advice and testimonials, newsletters and discussion groups.

The privilege of caring for a relative can be incredibly rewarding — and thoroughly exhausting. It’s normal for caregivers to feel overwhelmed and even angry, so it’s very important that you take care of yourself as well. I hope this information has provided you with resources to help make your job easier.

Heal yourself before you heal others.

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Darcie Guerin is a financial adviser and branch manager at Raymond James & Associates Inc. at 606 Bald Eagle Drive, suite 401, Marco Island. Contact her at Darcie.Guerin@raymondjames.com, 389-1041 or toll-free (866) 343-0882.