Did you know caregiving is a public health challenge? Caregiving is an important public health issue that affects the quality of life for millions of people. Caregivers help with another person’s mental, social, or health needs. Caregiving may include help with one or more activities important for daily living such as bathing and dressing, meal preparing, paying bills, shopping, in-home cleaning, providing transportation, and end-of-life care. We know this is a huge part of the caregiving role. As it stands, there is more need for caregivers to provide these services as our population continues to age. This has become a public health issue and it needs discussion on many fronts.
Organizations need educational conferences and in-services on encouraging their employees to recognize the needs that their employees may become caregivers in their families and provide education on the current or possible needs of a caregiver, including encouraging time off for their mental and physical health.
Caregiving has been acknowledged worldwide as an important topic. It is necessary to discuss caregiving as it relates to the public’s health. As a nurse, I have witnessed the personal, acute care, and community side of caregiving. There are not enough caregivers to go around. As the population ages, and our elders are outliving their children, educating our society, and using as many outlets as possible to share the importance of the caregiver science is a must!
As Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate, know that the circumstances of life can create the need for caregiving at any age. COVID-19 showed us this reality. When we truly understand the circle of life, we can shift our mindset toward taking care of ourselves and those around us when the time comes. Be safe! Be Well!