Caregivers

Care for the Caregiver

The existing care sector is sustained by a patchwork of unpaid, informal, or poorly compensated labor. Because of the structure of the system they support, those working in the care workforce—who are primarily women of color—face difficulties maintaining their financial stability. It is even estimated that their unpaid efforts, if paid, would amount to about half a trillion dollars.

For the economic well-being of women as well as for their own wellbeing, it is imperative to build an equitable care infrastructure.

Caregivers are spending 26% of their income on caregiving activities, an AARP study found. 79% of caregivers do not have access to caregiver support benefits at their workplaces. Ultimately, replacement of family caregiving services with paid services would cost an estimated $470 billion each year. And, the number of Americans who need help with daily activities is expected to rise from 12 million today to over 27 million in 2050.

According to a recent research, 64% of caregivers are technologically literate and use at least one digital tool to coordinate their caring duties.

There are more and more technologies being built to aid caregivers in their day-to-day tasks, so they don't have to care alone.

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In the News

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HHS Delivers First National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers

HHS

Caregiver Burnout: How Technology Brings Help and Hope

HIMSS

Reconceptualizing family caregivers as part of the health care team

JHMHP

Over 80% of family caregivers of older adults are responsible for coordinating care between and among providers. Despite efforts to include caregivers, policies and procedures around caregiver inclusion are complex and inconsistently implemented. The Caregiver Advise, Record, Enable (CARE) Act is intended to provide designated caregivers with discharge instructions and guidance. The Department of Health and Human Services acknowledges patient and caregiver engagement as an important strategy for improving patient safety. There is an opportunity to reimagine the structure of health care teams to include caregivers and improve delivery of and oversight of optimal patient care.

Industry Voices--Supporting caregivers: The next step in addressing social determinants of health

Fierce Healthcare

Patient and Family Engaged Care: An Essential Element of Health Equity

National Academy of Medicine

Technology for Caregivers--Helpful Apps and Resources

United Brain Association