AARP report underscores family caregiver challenges

In 2021, family caregivers provided an estimated 36 billion hours of unpaid care worth about $600 billion to an adult family member or friend with chronic, disabling or serious health conditions, an AARP report found. The report provides information about who family caregivers are, the challenges they face and the emotional and financial toll caregiving can take. Nurses can help to engage caregivers, listen to their concerns and priorities, provide instruction and support and refer them to resources. The report offers actions needed to address the financial, social and emotional challenges of caring for loved ones. (Campaign for Action blog, 3/9/23)