A Population at Risk

from the Getwell Newsletter

Approximately 44 million Americans aged 18 and older give unpaid assistance. They help older adults and individuals with disabilities living in the community. The estimated annual value of this unpaid work is immense. It is nearly twice the total costs of home health care and nursing home care.₁

Furthermore, most caregivers are not adequately prepared for their role and often offer care with little or no support. More than one-third continue to give intense care even when they are in poor health. Studies show that family caregiver’s physical health strongly influences their decision. They may move a relative into a long-term care facility based on their health.

Research shows that family members who care for people with chronic or disabling conditions face their own risks. They confront these risks besides other challenges. Complex care giving situations can lead to emotional, mental, and physical health problems for caregivers. Caring for a family member is often very demanding, and caregivers’ health can suffer as a result. When this happens, the person who is ill may lose the support and presence of their loved one.

Most people prefer to stay at home in familiar surroundings despite these difficulties. They especially prefer this when they can do so with support from independent senior living options. 

Many have already found some approaches. Larger towns had funds to expand their Senior Center into attractive new facilities offering an array of services. Others have created Communities Without Walls. Village to Villages offers a volunteer-based organization. It addresses transportation and other home repair needs. Another body of research has led to the idea of OASIS. Small cultural and social centers where people can gather and enjoy lectures, activities and companionship. Dr. Asselin and her team have researched an approach that would make this possible. Offering training to organizers to create an OASIS in their communities. 

Resources

New Faces of the Future, by GetWell Education

Family Caregiver Alliance in cooperation with California?s Caregiver Resource Center and reviewed by Moira Fordyce, MD, MB, ChB.