Caregiving
Caregivers provide assistance to someone who is, in some degree, incapacitated and needs help (Family Caregiver Alliance, 2005). The recipients of care live in both residential and institutional settings, and range from children to older adults. Typically, they have a chronic illness or disabling condition and need ongoing assistance with everyday tasks to function on a daily basis (Family Caregiver Alliance, 2006a).
Caregiver demand is partially driven by the steady increase in our older adult population. As the number of older Americans rises, so does the number of needed caregivers (Talley & Crews, 2007). In 2030, when all baby boomers will be at least 65 years old, the population of adults in this age group is projected to be 71 million (Administration on Aging, 2007). The number of people 65 years old and older is expected to rise by 101% between 2000 and 2030, at a rate of 2.3% each year. Unfortunately, however, over that same 30-year period the number of family members who are available to provide care for these older adults is expected to increase by only 25%, at a rate of 0.8% per year (Mack & Thompson, 2001).
Caregiving exacts a tremendous toll on caregivers’ health and well-being, and accounts for significant costs to families and society as well. Family caregiving has been associated with increased levels of depression and anxiety as well as higher use of psychoactive medications, poorer self-reported physical health, compromised immune function, and increased mortality (Kiecolt-Glaser & Glaser, 2001; Light & Martin, 1996; Schulz, O'Brien, Bookwala, & Fleissner, 1995; Schulz & Beach, 1999). Over half (53%) of caregivers indicate that their decline in health compromises their ability to provide care (Evercare & National Alliance for Caregiving, 2006).
Research over the past several decades has yielded a wealth of information on interventions to support caregivers and improve their health and well-being. Some important examples related to family caregivers for persons with Alzheimer’s disease (Belle et al., 2006; Burgio, Collins, Schmid, Wharton, McCallum, & DeCoster, 2009; Mittelman, Haley, Clay, & Roth, 2006).
Alzheimer's Disease
The facts about alzheimers and ways to improve life quality with the disease
Arthritis
The best exercises to help alleviate the problems associated with arthritis.
Alcohol Use
Effective remidies to help lower alcohol dependence and inspire new habits.
Brain Health
Scientific explanations on how the brain deteriorates and ways to maintain proper functioning.
Breast Cancer
Warning signs and preventative measures to help identify and reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Cancer
Numerous tips and information about ways to reduce the risk of cancer as well as tips to help identify cancer.
