CALEDONIA, Wis. — Being a caregiver is no small task. More than 45 million Americans serve as unpaid family caregivers, according to a recent AARP survey.
That same study also highlights the challenges many may face when it comes to taking care of loved ones. Sixty-seven percent of those caregivers struggle to balance their jobs with caregiving duties.
This is a reality that one Caledonia couple was faced with earlier this year.
But together, they have found a way to navigate through the resources available to them.
This is a reality that one Caledonia couple was faced with earlier this year.
But together, they have found a way to navigate through resources available to them.
Steve and Cindy Joost have been married for 43 years. This past January, Steve Joost became more than just a loving husband to his wife. He also became her full-time caregiver.
“It’s just a matter of really doing things for the other person and while it’s work, it’s challenging, you just do it.” Steve Joost said.
His wife Cindy Joost was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease at the beginning of this year and was in the hospital for over a month. The couple said it’s been a transition like they never imagined.
Cindy Joost now utilizes a wheelchair and relies on her husband’s help to get from one place to another.
Steve Joost still works full time in finance and said he is managing to balance both his schedule and caregiving, without getting burnout.
“It can be challenging,” he said. “We’ve been able to weather that pretty well. You don’t have time to just relax, get away, be quiet, because you are being a caregiver virtually full time.”
Steve Joost said once they got home from the hospital in March, he called Senior Helpers to provide at-home assistance while he continued to work and care for his wife.
Senior Helpers offers specialized home care. Its reach has expanded, and it now has over 100 clients in Racine, Kenosha and part of Walworth counties.
Senior Helpers owner and executive director, Ivan Payes, said burnout is common for caregivers, especially family caregivers. The Joost family utilizes their services just for a few hours a day and said it makes all the difference.
“The big thing is that someone needs that relief, whether it’s a family member or spouse, in the situation with Steve, just us being there, our staff being there just to know that we are there to help and support them,” Payes said.
The couple said their services have been an added benefit for both of them. It’s allowed Steve Joost to take some items off his plate, while providing his wife with the care she needs each day.
They said it’s helped prevent the burnout that takes a toll on many caregivers.
“It’s been a godsend,” Steve Joost said.