December is National Human Rights Month, a time to reflect on the fundamental rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of nationality, sex, ethnic origin, color, language, gender identity, religion, or any other status. These rights form the foundation of a dignified life and encompass freedom, health, education, and more. Within Life and Work Connections' dependent care services, we explore how these rights intersect with caregiving and care-receiving roles.
Family caregiving
More than 53 million US adults care for a spouse, elderly parent, relative, or special needs child. Caregiving encompasses daily activities, emotional and cognitive support, physical care, medical coordination and care, and legal and financial management.
Family Caregiving affects all of us. Family caregivers:
- Provide 36 billion hours of unpaid care work valued at $600 billion in 2021.
- Lost 650,000 jobs and 800,000 individuals with challenges with absenteeism at work.
- Split time between full-time work and caregiving (averaged at 26 hours per week) duties (for about 22% of family caregivers).
- Belongs to the “sandwich generation” caregivers who care for people across generations.
- Experience worse physical health because of the stress of their caregiver role.
When discussing the diversity of family caregiving, we have to talk about the challenges of caregiving and access to the Social Determinants of Health. Social determinants of health are factors in our lives that influence health, quality of life, and the quality of care we give others. These factors can affect our overall health by as much as 80%. Social Determinants of Health can include considerations like:
- Accessible and nutritious food,
- Quality healthcare
- Safe and affordable housing
- Reliable transportation
- Connection with communities
- Employment and education opportunities.
Caregiving Support, Advocacy, and Connection
Caregiving spans diverse communities and varies in type and intensity. Multiple organizations work to support, inform, and connect family caregivers.
- RAISE Family Caregivers Act Initial Report to Congress
- Center for Health Care Strategies Helping States Support Families Caring for An Aging America
- Caregiver Action Network
- Family Voices
- Roslynn Carter Institute for Caregivers
- Diverse Elders Coalition
- The John Hartford Foundation
- Meet Caregivers (Social Determinants of Health)