How can you quantify the work of a family caregiver? The countless hours spent cooking, cleaning, shopping, bathing, paying bills, navigating the health care system, driving, worrying, loving, crying, stressing? A recent study by the AARP, entitled Valuing the Invaluable: 2015 Update, estimates that the economic value of unpaid family caregiving approached $470 billion in 2013. To put this number in perspective, that’s on par with the annual sales numbers for Walmart, the world’s biggest store! (AARP, Valuing the Invaluable, 2015)
Simply put, a lot of unpaid work is being done by family members out of love, respect, a sense of obligation, and yes, necessity. Many of these family caregivers also work part or full time jobs on top of their caregiving responsibilities. The toll their “second job” takes on their mental and physical health is profound; research has shown family caregivers suffer from poorer health, higher stress levels and an increased mortality rate as compared to non-caregivers (AARP, Valuing the Invaluable: 2015).
Family caregivers need better access to resources to help them navigate this increasingly complex role. Acceptance is important too—at some point your loved one may require more skilled care than you can provide, or supervision around the clock, or both—and it is ok to ask for help any step of the way. A trusted in home care company like Home Care Plus can help you shoulder the caregiving burden and give you peace of mind that your loved one is being properly cared for by a professional, highly trained, compassionate caregiver.
For more information on the economic impact of caregiving, its toll on family caregivers, and caregiving resources, visit the AARP’s website. For more information on how we can help you and your loved ones, visit the Home Care Plus website!
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