Caring for Healthcare’s Heart of Gold

There are an estimated 53 million unpaid family caregivers in the United States and their numbers are expected to grow as the population ages; and 75% of these are women of an average age of 50. Caregivers spend between 20-40 hours per week in service, which adds up to $470 billion in free labor annually. While initiatives, such as the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the National Family Caregiver Support Program, provide time off, information, assistance, and support services to caregivers, there remain significant challenges. Efforts with the logistics of care transitions, physical and emotional strain, financial difficulties, coordination of supplies and providers, and social isolation remain problematic. There are many private and non-profit organizations that provide support services, education, and resources to caregivers, but there is still a need for comprehensive policies and programs that provide both financial and emotional support, as well as a little respite. Join this multidisciplinary panel as they investigate the state of and challenges faced by caregivers, and how policies and programs can help support those serving these patients with a heart of gold.