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 health, financial stability, and quality of life. The majority are working full-time. Despite these challenges, informal caregivers are crucial in our healthcare system. As of 2021, 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 annually.
Women contribute to 71% of the global hours of informal care.
In addition to their economic contributions, informal caregivers provide essential emotional and social support to their loved ones. They help to alleviate feelings of isolation and loneliness and give a sense of companionship and connection.
State and Federal initiatives to support unpaid caregivers are growing. The RAISE Family Caregivers Act, signed into law in 2018, requires developing a national strategy to support unpaid caregivers. The plan will include recommendations for improving caregiver training and support, promoting caregiver health and well-being, 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 focuses explicitly 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 focuses on providing culturally and linguistically appropriate services and resources. Minnesota’s Live Well at Home grant program focuses 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
