Multiple Dimensions of Caregiving and Disability: Supporting Those Who Care

摘要: Family caregivers form the foundation of American healthcare system. Collectively, wives and husbands, mothers fathers, sisters brothers, grandmothers grandfathers, as well friends, neighbors, many others constitute single largest block unpaid human capital providing care today. The giving care, or caregiving, brings together these individuals in a commitment that some wish to assume while accept reluctantly. provide normative is normal part life cycle, exceptional for those who are frail elderly, born with acquire disability at point their lives. Caregiving an issue touches every life. Within last decade, it has finally been recognized politics (Carter 2010; Carter, Written testimony Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter before Senate Special Committee on Aging, 2011; White House, President’s new freedom initiative, 2001; On anniversary Olmstead, Obama administration recommits assist Americans disabilities, 2011a; Presidential proclamation—National Caregivers Month, 2011b) by general public important (Family Caregiver Alliance [FCA], road recognition: International review policies support family informal caregiving: Policy brief, 2003; Feinberg, Always call: When illness turns families into caregivers, 2004; Feinberg et al., Ahead curve: Emerging trends practices caregiver [research report], 2006). just starting receive attention they deserve (AARP, Providing another adult second job many, National Caregiving/AARP Study Shows, AARP, Who’s caring caregivers? AARP unveils report caregivers: Consumer-directed services take hold states [news release], 2006; Arc, Still shadows future uncertain: A individual needs supports [FINDS], Vice President Biden announces Middle Class Task Force [press 2009).