Caregiver Support

Caregiver Support

Elders over age 85, are the most rapidly growing segment of the older adult population. People over 85 are most likely to have chronic illnesses and to need long-term care services to help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). he rapid growth in the population most likely to require assistance highlights the significance of caregivers.

Who are caregivers?

Approximately 80% of caregivers are family members.^[1] Caregivers may be a partner, parent, sibling or friend, perhaps from the same or older generation, and possibly dealing with issues similar to the care recipient.
Younger caregivers tend to be employed, often out of economic necessity. Two-thirds of informal caregivers in the United States are employed in addition to their care responsibilities.

Recent studies have shown that caregiving adversely affects the providers’ physical and mental health, which creates additional costs to society.^[2] Caregivers also face considerable stress including anger, depression or anxiety, in attempting to combine caring for their loved one with employment.

Most caregivers, particularly caregivers of color, do not use formal services. There are a number of possible reasons for this including a lack of culturally competent support services. Some caregivers wait until the point of exhaustion before seeking services.

The Financial Impact of Caregiving

The financial impact of caregiving especially takes a toll on family members when it affects a caregiver’s ability to work outside of that role.

Because caregiving negatively influences workplace productivity, it has a community-wide impact.
In one study that highlighted the conflicting demands of employment and eldercare,

• 16% of caregivers had quit their paid jobs,
• 29% passed up promotion or enhancements, and
• 33% had to decrease job hours to provide care.^[3]

Others experience increased absenteeism, lower productivity at work, or layoffs. The emotional and physical strain of caring for a frail older person is often exacerbated by worries over paying for care, particularly nursing home care.^[4]

Accessible services to support employed caregivers is currently limited

Types of caregiver support include:

• Respite Care
• Caregiver Training
• Caregiver Support Groups
• Counseling offered in a unique model that is home-based and inclusive of all the persons involved in caregiving;
• Emergency financial supports for needs that arise and cannot be managed within existing resources; and
• Information and assistance in navigating other systems to obtain such necessary supports as housing, legal advice, health care, or education.^[5]

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