FAMILY Helping Hands Some seven million family members stretch caregiving across the miles and travel several hours each way so that elderly or ailing relatives can remain in their own setting. Each month, according to the National Council on the Aging, people in the "rubber-band generation" devote an average of 35 hours to such informal caregiving. And they spend $171 of their own money, the National Alliance for Caregiving reports. Nevertheless, many express guilt that they aren't doing more.
If you're part of this group, and feeling stretched a little thin, help is available. The links below will guide you elder-care services across the country that can relieve some of the strain associated with caring for a far-away parent or relative.
Resources and referrals
AARP, 800-424-3410, membership, information and advocacy for people ages 50 and older
Benefits Checkup (sponsored by the National Council on Aging), helps determine eligibility for more than 1,100 federal, state, and private prescription-drug programs
GETTING STARTED
