About 43.5 million adults are unpaid family caregivers. Although the average time spent on caregiving is 24 hours per week—the equivalent of a part-time job—for about a quarter of caregivers, caregiving is a full-time job that demands 40 or more hours per week. Family caregiving can be both rewarding and challenging, and people who support and love caregivers must make space for both emotions. Researchers are increasingly interested in caregivers' contributions to society and the effect caregiving has on their health. Here’s some recent caregiving news you might have missed.
Family caregivers face an uphill battle. Loved ones may praise them for their selfless devotion, but offer little in the way of support. Some caregivers face criticism from other family members who themselves are unwilling to help. Many experience stress, anxiety, depression, and financial losses because of their work caring for a loved one. Despite all of this, eighty-five percent of family caregivers find it to be a rewarding experience.
What does your stereotypical senior living community look like? Do you imagine quiet, feeble elders sitting in rocking chairs, taking long naps, and occasionally playing cards? Senior living isn’t what it used to be. Seniors lead longer and more adventurous lives than ever before. And while there's nothing wrong with rocking chairs, today’s seniors are more likely to be found finding new love, forming new hobbies, picking up degrees, and even going skydiving. Senior living communities are evolving to meet the changing needs of their residents. Technological innovations play a major role in this evolution. The right technology helps seniors remain independent longer, even when they have complex medical needs.
Seniors living at home independently or with a partner are fortunate to have resources and specially tailored supports readily available to keep them at home for as long as possible. Thanks to friendly neighbors and nearby family members, seniors living at home can benefit from phone call check-ins and drop-by visits. However, what happens when you begin to notice medication concerns during your time in your loved one’s apartment? It can be difficult to begin the conversation about your worries surrounding medication management, but bringing the subject up could potentially save a life.