Caregiver Research Paper

The role of caregiver impacts us all. By supporting the caregiver, we enable them to continue in their role. The Protecting Health of the Family Caregiver podcast tells the story of the impact of caregiving on the caregiver, and support services available. According to the podcast, there are tens of millions of unpaid caregivers in the United States alone. This bears an impact on society and families. Many of these caregivers are elderly caring for elderly. Often times, the caregivers have their own health conditions. Declining health of the caregiver “often leads to institutionalization of the care recipient” (CDC, 2009). 34,000 unpaid caregivers provide 20 + hours of care weekly. The caregiver often pays out of pocket for needed items, and has fewer hours available to work in a paid job. This not only makes the financial burden on the caregiver immediate, but future income can be impacted through loss of skills/seniority on the job, retirement income, and social security income. Although caregivers report satisfaction in providing care, they often suffer in many ways including sleep disturbances, back injuries, and depression. The podcast also reports that a number of support services are available to caregivers through discharge planners, Medicare, church, and community organizations. Respite care such as adult day …show more content…
As a result of a devastating stroke, my parents provided 24 hour care to my grandmother in their home for two years. The health and financial consequences to my parents were all very real. My parents benefited from a foundation of good eating habits, an active lifestyle, and a strong family and friend support group. According to Lindquist, Snyder, & Tracy (2014) diet, exercise, stress management, social support and quality sleep are foundations of holistic self-care. Even with this foundation, they experienced the stress of