Loneliness among older adults is a pressing issue. Studies have shown that prolonged feelings of isolation can lead to increased risks of depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, and even physical health issues. In fact, a 2023 report released by the U.S. Surgeon General equates the health impact of being socially isolated with smoking 15 cigarettes per day. Our…
Advance Care Planning: A Deep Dive on Advance Directives, Healthcare Proxies, Medical Powers of Attorney and Living Wills Family caregiving often involves dealing with medical emergencies or hospitalizations. Imagine a scenario where your loved one is unable to make healthcare decisions for themself due to an unforeseen accident or illness. Who would make those decisions…
Family Caregiving Tips for Summer Summer is here, and it’s a wonderful time for family caregivers to create special memories with their loved ones. However, it also comes with unique challenges that require careful planning and attention. While pools and beaches may be off limits for some, there are plenty of opportunities for families to…
Health systems can serve as critical lifelines for family caregivers—those relentless warriors who provide unwavering support to their loved ones. As an executive in the healthcare industry, understanding the motivations and challenges that caregivers face can provide valuable insights to improve system responsiveness, streamline services, and enhance caregiver satisfaction. Here are the top five reasons…
The United States is experiencing a significant increase in its aging population. By 2030, it is estimated that 1 in 5 Americans will be 65 years or older. This demographic shift presents both challenges and opportunities for the healthcare system, as well as for family caregivers who are directly affected by the needs of their…
In the United States, unpaid family caregivers play an increasingly important role, shouldering the responsibility of providing essential care to millions. According to the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, more than 53 million Americans identify as family caregivers and provide $600 billion in care annually. Despite their significant contribution, family caregivers often lack a comprehensive support system,…
Across the United States, millions of individuals quietly provide unpaid care for their loved ones, from aging parents to disabled family members. According to the AARP in its “Caregiving in the United States 2020” report, about 53 million Americans provided unpaid care to an adult with health or functional needs. In this article, we will delve deeper…
Rising Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Veterans make tremendous sacrifices to protect the freedom and safety of Americans, often returning home with wounds that extend far beyond the battlefield. Caregivers, frequently family members, play a critical role in helping veterans heal, both physically and emotionally. Approximately 5.5 million family caregivers in the United States provide…
In mid-April President Biden issued an executive order to increase access to care, and to support paid caregivers and family caregivers around the country. The 50 directives outlined in this order tie in closely to the mission of Trualta, which is to provide valuable resources and support to the nation’s family caregivers. This blog post will explore Trualta’s role…
The Increasing Demand for Care at Home As our population has continued to age, the number of unpaid family caregivers has grown exponentially, creating a vital support system for those in need. According to the AARP, more than 53 million Americans provide care to their loved ones at home. With the societal preference for in-home care over…
There are over 200 caregiver interventions documented in academic studies that are evaluated in controlled settings, but very few have actually been translated for real-world delivery at point of care1. In fact, due to the lengthy and incremental process that is required in traditional academic settings, only 14% of evidence ever makes it into clinical…
Building culturally relevant Indigenous caregiver education together with Minnesota & Tribal Partners When the Covid-19 pandemic first began, our partners at the Minnesota Board on Aging (MBA) immediately saw the need for at-home, on-demand caregiver education. Specifically, after witnessing Minnesota’s Tribal Nations be significantly impacted by the isolation that the pandemic caused, MBA realized the…