There are approximately 40 million Americans who help a parent, grandparent, relative, or neighbor with basic needs. Oftentimes, these caregivers are working, parenting, or both—about one-third have a full-time job and 25% work part time. As life expectancy increases and medical care becomes more advance, our demand for caregivers grows, but the supply is shrinking due to declining marriage rates, smaller family size, and geographic separation. Over the next few decades, there will be fewer potential caregivers for each elderly American. Unfortunately, caregivers are put at a great financial risk with the inability to make the most of their careers. Caregiving also takes a physical and emotional toll on the caregiver with issues like negative health effects, depression, and disrupted immune systems. As our health system increasingly relies on caregivers, it is essential that medical professionals improve the way they engage, support, and educate caregivers. Things like counseling, support services, and respite programs can help alleviate some added pressures of being a caregiver. Policy makers can also help caregivers by passing versions of the CARE Act or other pieces of legislation that strengthen financial support. Overall, it is important to recognize that while patients’ needs come first, caregivers’ needs should also be considered to help reduce their burdens.
See Dhruv Khullar, Who Will Care for the Caregivers?, N.Y. Times, January 19, 2017.
