Final blog post (Summary & Call to Action)

Family caregivers have an enormous job, one they are often unprepared for. As the need for caregivers increases, because of people living longer and an overburdened and ill-prepared long-term care system, support and training is more important than ever. Caregivers are at higher risk for physical and mental illnesses. Further, they are at risk for complicated grief and dying sooner than their non-caregiving peers. Caregivers need support and they need to know that they are not being selfish by taking care of themselves.

Health disparities exist among family caregivers in a variety of ways. Caucasian caregivers are more likely to report depression and African-American caregivers are more likely to have cardiovascular disease. Little is known about how culture affects health among minority caregivers. LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) elders and caregivers have unique needs that must be addressed.

Overall, I hope that readers of this blog get a sense of the issues that affect caregiver health. It should be shocking to readers that family caregivers provide care that is more than yearly Wal-Mart spending. Readers should want to learn more about caregiver health. My hope is that readers will realize that we are facing a looming caregiver health crisis and that public health educators are poised to help improve caregiver health.