The Invisibles: Unpaid Caregivers of the Elderly

INTRODUCTION The population of elderly individuals continues to increase and is expected to double by 2050 (1). Medical and technological improvements and developments, which extend the longevity of those with significant ailments and the push for shorter hospital stays, will result in the provision of more nursing and medical care at home. A recent report by the Alzheimer’s Association indicates that over 15 million family members are caring for a person with Alzheimer’s or another dementia (2). In 2009, more than 60 million family caregivers were providing “unpaid” care at an estimated cost of $450 billion, and the impact of care giving on the labor force will increase (3, 4). Unpaid caregivers provide the majority of long-term care for older adults. They are responsible for a variety of tasks, ranging from household chores to personal care and complex medical regimens. Care giving can result in high levels of stress, depression, and other physical and emotional manifestations known as “caregiver stress syndrome.” Caregivers need information and training in who to manage these tasks, as well as access to inexpensive community resources, and recognition that the care they provide is vital and valued. Yet, unpaid caregivers are an invisible population. The lack of strategic policy and for their support only contributes to their frustration, confusion, mismanagement, and disappointment. Therefore, a regulated system with structured procedures that can identify concerns, needs, gaps, barriers, and opportunities must be established (4).