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Trends in Caregiving: Five Resources

1/13/16
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It's no secret that the U.S. is in the midst of a major demographic shift: the baby boom generation is reaching the age of 65 and the median age is on the rise. This trend toward an aging population will require more and different services than have been available to date. One response to the "Age Wave" is an increased focus on informal caregivers, who provide a significant portion of all care and assistance offered to older adults. But what does caregiving in the U.S. look like, and what impact will caregivers have on social services, health care and the economy? Our research librarians have compiled the following resources to shed some light on the latest in caregiving:

Caregiving in the United States 2015

This widely disseminated report is a joint research study between the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. It provides detailed profiles of different subpopulations of family caregivers, including information on caregivers age 75 and older, higher hour caregivers, male and female caregivers, and multicultural caregivers (including African American/black, Hispanic/Latino and Asian American/Pacific Islander populations). It also explores the challenges facing caregivers in the workplace.

See also: Women and Caregiving, Facts and Figures 

Mental and Physical Health Effects of Family Caregiving

This website provides information for caregivers and psychologists who work with family caregivers. The Caregiving Facts section includes details about such topics as the increasing number of family caregivers, the circumstances in which family caregiving occurs, and cultural diversity and caregiving. The Caregiver Briefcase is an online resource which helps health and social service professionals assist family caregivers. Its Resources section provides links to research and to key resources aimed at caregivers, including websites, state and national resources, and information regarding specific types of caregiving.

Caregiving Across the States: 50 State Profiles–2014

This set of profiles was produced by the Family Caregiver Alliance, National Center on Caregiving. Each profile contains background characteristics related to caregiving and aging in the state, as well as information on caregiver support programs. The organization also offers a caregiving policy digest, which provides briefings on key legislation, news on innovative public programs, and information on caregiving and long-term care policy at national and state levels. 

The Latest in Caregiving: AARP

A selection of up-to-date articles covering a variety of caregiving topics and concerns. Categories include: benefits and insurance information; legal and financial advice; caring for yourself and others; and end-of-life care.

Aging in Place Technology Watch: Industry Market Trends, Research and Analysis

Family Caregivers
A bare-bones, market research website providing thought leadership, analysis and guidance about technologies and services that enable seniors to remain longer in their home of choice. Livability can be extended through the incorporation of universal design principles, telehealth and other assistive technologies linked to on this website.