Are you worried about your mother’s ability to continue living at home alone? Are you trying to arrange help for your father from thousands of miles away? Are you driving your mother-in-law to frequent doctor appointments? At least 25% of U.S. households are involved in care giving, and the majority of those caregivers are employed, either part or full-time.

For members of the World Bank family, the challenges of juggling work and helping an older relative is exacerbated by the number of people who must provide care long-distance and internationally. World Bank employees, retirees and their families who provide care at any level to older relatives (eldercare) now have ready access to support, thanks to Global Mobility, which has established Eldercare Support services via IONA Senior Services, a leading provider of essential services for older adults, their families and the community.

IONA’s Eldercare Consultant to the World Bank is Daniel Wilson, a licensed clinical social worker, trained in gerontology. Danny has years of experience working with older adults, caregivers, and concerned family members and is available to Bank employees, and spouses:

• to facilitate a drop-in, monthly support group (every 2nd Thursday of the month from Noon – 1:00 PM)
• to provide referral information and confidential supportive counseling by phone, email, and – on a limited basis - in-person, and
• to coordinate educational seminars on issues germane to elder care giving.

Helping an older relative involves much more than hands-on, physical care. In fact, the major stressor is often emotional. Caregivers can spend a great deal of emotional energy worrying about the general wellbeing of those who depend on them. Examples of common questions include: Is Mother safe alone at home after her stroke? Should Dad be driving at his age? How can I persuade my aunt to assume responsibility for her finances? Should we have my parents move to the States to live with us? How can I afford to keep my husband at home with homecare while I work? How can I work full time when it takes so much time to care for Mom?

One excellent antidote to stress has been found in sharing your experiences with other caregivers. To this end, an Eldercare Support Group is held every second Thursday of the month (Noon – 1:00 PM) in Room MC 8-500, and is facilitated by Danny Wilson. World Bank employees, retirees and spouses attend with no advance registration required. Group participants attend when their schedules allow and/or when they have pressing issues to discuss or questions to raise. Because group discussion is confidential, participants are able to express their thoughts and feelings more openly and honestly than they might otherwise do. If interested in attending, please contact either Kimberly Powell at Global Mobility (202-458-0244) or Danny Wilson (202-669-5959).

The next Eldercare Seminar will focus on Getting My Parents’ Affairs in Order: What Caregivers Need to Know. An elder-law attorney and geriatric nurse will join Mr. Wilson to discuss what documents need to be in place and why. This seminar will be held Wednesday, May 6 from Noon-1:30 PM in J1-050, located at 701 18th Street, NW.