Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter reminded us that there are four kinds of people: those who will become caregivers, those who are caregivers, those who were caregivers, and those who will need care themselves. By conservative estimates, there are more than 90 million Americans who care for their loved ones. They provide care in many settings - at home or in venues such as senior housing centers - and they may work alone without extended family or professional assistance. They care for individuals who are afflicted by disease, are frail, and are unable to care for themselves and those with disabilities (mental or physical). Also included among the 90,000 are parents and family caregivers of children with special needs. Many of these family caregivers struggle - emotionally, physically, and financially. They are often the forgotten providers within our current health care system, unpaid and unrecognized.
It is likely that, as nurses, all of us have already had some experience caring for a family member. At a minimum, we have been called upon to provide our nursing expertise to others in that role. We are very knowledgeable about the burdens that caregiving places on family members.
As nurse educators, there are several things we can do. First of all, we should raise awareness about the National Family Caregiver's Month, held each November by a presidential proclamation, in our communities, schools, and other community groups. Also, we can raise awareness about the need for support for family caregivers.
We should make certain that our schools of nursing acknowledge this month of recognition. To do so, we can profile projects focused on assisting family caregivers on our school websites and in our local and national media. A number of schools have initiated projects and programs specifically addressing the needs of family caregivers, including research, education, and service projects.
It is important that, as we discuss family caregiving, we orient our students to the role of caregivers throughout the health care delivery system and empower our students as family advocates. We can ask our students to share their family experiences of caregiving for loved ones, as many of them have had experiences that would provide important learning for their student colleagues. We can share our own experiences, both professional and personal, framed through a professional lens.
They provide care in many settings - at home or in venues such as senior housing centers - and they may work alone without extended family or professional assistance. They care for individuals who are afflicted by disease, are frail, and are unable to care for themselves and those with disabilities (mental or physical). Also included among the 90,000 are parents and family caregivers of children with special needs. Many of these family caregivers struggle - emotionally, physically, and financially. They are often the forgotten providers within our current health care system, unpaid and unrecognized.
Most of all, as professional nurses, we can advocate, at the public and health policy levels, for financial support for family caregivers. We all know the battles that they face on their own in efforts to obtain even minimal relief through support programs. Although our health care policies remain in flux, we must address this gap in health care delivery and financing and advance the agenda on support for family caregivers. For more information and resources to use in November and year round, visit the Caregiver Action Network website at http://www.caregiveraction.org.