Many Americans (more than 40 million by some estimates) provide informal, unpaid care to older adults. The value of this unpaid care may exceed $500 billion. There caregivers are often untrained and unprepared to perform the complex caregiving tasks they need to provide. Providing care can represent a substantial burden for caregivers, taking a physical, financial, and emotional toll. The good news is that a range of initiatives/programs exist (and more being developed!) for caregiver training, support, and respite. I was excited to present with mentor and colleague Dr. Mark Lachs on this topic: Caring for the Caregiver: A Primer. This was part of Weill Cornell Medicine's Community Health Series -- and the first of a multi-part series to support caregivers with insights from research and practical guidance from healthcare experts. Future topics include: How Can Technology Make Caregiving Easier?, The Finances of Paying for Caregiving in the US Healthcare System, Primary Care Medical Providers Supporting Caregivers, and When Home is No Longer a Feasible Option.
Thanks to Beth Tancredi Chunn, Sara Ashley Stammer, M.A., and Larissa Breedlove for coordinating this important initiative -- and to everyone who attended!
LinkedIn post here.