Health Affairs Publishes Two Age-Friendly Health Articles in February
Health Affairs has published a research paper in its February journal issue on, "The Number Of Family Caregivers Helping Older U.S. Adults Increased From 18 Million To 24 Million, 2011–22," and a Forefront blog on, "Reflections On Caregiving Policy: Progress, Challenges, And Opportunities." Both are part of Health Affairs' Age-Friendly Health Series.
The Number Of Family Caregivers Helping Older US Adults Increased From 18 Million To 24 Million, 2011–22 by Jennifer L. Wolff, Jennifer C. Cornman, and Vicki A. Freedman
The authors examine the evolving landscape of family caregiving for older adults in the U.S. between 2011 and 2022, which reveals a significant increase in the number of family caregivers, rising from 18.2 million to 24.1 million (a 32% surge). They discuss the demographic characteristics of these caregivers, which includes primarily women, the challenges they face, particularly for those with limited financial resources or caring for someone with dementia, and the impact of caregiving on their lives. The paper also explores policy implications and suggests ways to support family caregivers through improved resources, such as state-level paid family leave and Medicaid waivers, financial assistance and access to respite care.
Reflections On Caregiving Policy: Progress, Challenges, And Opportunities by Alison Barkoff
The author notes that policies to support family caregiving garner strong bipartisan backing, and in the blog, takes stock of where family caregiving policy has been and planning for what lies ahead. The 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers to Congress was the first time there had been a coordinated effort across the federal government to increase support for family caregivers. As the new Congress and administration are beginning to put forward proposals, the author notes that "it is critical to highlight the impact on caregivers and the people they support. It is equally important to elevate their voices and stories with policy makers."
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