Caregiving Gaining Attention

Here at LTS, we are excited to see the subject of caregiving receiving much needed attention in the media. This past week, both CNN and Huffington Post brought attention to the topic. They both highlighted two equally important aspects of caregiving – growth and impact. The CNN article points out the fast paced growth of caregiving in the United States, while the Huffington Post article reflects upon the emotional impacts.

The number of caregivers in the United States is growing at an incredible rate. According to the Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics, by 2030 there will be about 70 million Americans 65 and older. Even more astonishing, by 2050 this number is expected to be near 90 million. This increase in the number of older Americans indicates a greater need for caregivers, as well as more understanding into all of the impacts of being a caregiver. Currently, just under 40 million Americans are 65 and older, so you can imagine the effect that 90 million senior citizens will have on the field of caregiving.

With the increase in caregiving just beginning, there is a need for more resources to help caregivers understand what they’re going through. The overwhelming feelings of stress, guilt, resentment and depression are all parts of caregiving, but are sometimes hard to process as a caregiver.

Greater public knowledge about caregiving will lead to better care and support, for the caregiver and the person being cared for.

Here are the links to those two great articles:

CNN: As baby boomers retire, a focus on caregivers

Huffington Post: Caregiving: The Dance Between Guilt and Resentment