The Invisible Contributions of Informal Caregiving
Global societies need to provide more benefits to caregivers
Informal caregivers are family members and friends who give their time, money and love to someone with a chronic health condition. They often sacrifice their own health, financial stability, and quality of life in the effort. The majority are are working full time. Despite these challenges, informal caregivers play a crucial role in our healthcare system. As of 2021, an estimated 38 million Americans are informal caregivers, providing over $600 billion in estimated economic value. Unpaid carers in England and Wales contribute a staggering £445 million to the economy every day – that’s £162 billion per year.
Women contribute to 71% of the global hours of informal care.
In addition to their economic contributions, informal caregivers also provide important emotional and social support to their loved ones. They help to alleviate feelings of isolation and loneliness, and provide a sense of companionship and connection.
Photo by Odile Luna, on Unsplash
State and Federal initiatives to support unpaid caregivers are growing. The RAISE Family Caregivers Act, signed into law in 2018, requires the development of a national strategy to support unpaid caregivers. The strategy will include recommendations for improving caregiver training and support, promoting caregiver health and wellbeing, and increasing access to respite care.
Reference: National Alliance for Caregiving. (2018). RAISE Family Caregivers Act signed into law. https://www.caregiving.org/raise-family-caregivers-act-signed-law/
Several state initiatives to support unpaid caregivers in the US address diversity and inclusion, recognizing that caregiving can impact people from diverse backgrounds differently. New York State’s Caregiver Support Initiative includes a specific focus on supporting caregivers from diverse communities, including LGBTQIA+ caregivers and caregivers from racial and ethnic minority groups. The program provides support services and resources that are culturally and linguistically appropriate, and are designed to meet the unique needs of diverse caregivers. California’s Caregiver Resource Centers provide services and resources to a diverse population of caregivers, including those from underserved communities, such as low-income families, immigrants, and rural communities. The program has a focus on providing culturally and linguistically appropriate services and resources. Minnesota’s Live Well at Home grant program includes a focus on supporting caregivers from diverse communities. The program provides funding for community-based organizations to develop and implement caregiver support services that are culturally and linguistically appropriate.
Thanks for reading,
Leilani
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LEILANI NORMAN Leilani Norman is Co-Founder at Caring is Art,
a wellbeing and elder care advisor, former family caregiver, and entrepreneur.