Bridging Troubled Waters: Family Caregivers, Transitions, And Long-Term Care

Families are the bedrock of long-term care, but policymakers have traditionally considered them "informal" caregivers, as they are not part of the formal paid caregiving workforce. As chronic and long-term care systems have become more complex and as more demanding tasks have been shifted...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Health Affairs 2010-01, Vol.29 (1), p.116-124
Main Authors: Levine, Carol, Halper, Deborah, Peist, Ariella, Gould, David A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Assisted living
Caregivers
Chronic illnesses
Families & family life
Family
Hospitalists
Hospitals
Long term care insurance
Long term health care
Long-term care
Long-term care of the sick
Medical personnel
Medical service
Medicare
Nursing homes
Patients
Physicians
Professionals
Rehabilitation
Studies
Training
Workforce
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Summary:Families are the bedrock of long-term care, but policymakers have traditionally considered them "informal" caregivers, as they are not part of the formal paid caregiving workforce. As chronic and long-term care systems have become more complex and as more demanding tasks have been shifted to families, this view is no longer sustainable. The care transition process offers a critical opportunity to treat family caregivers as important care partners. Enhancing their involvement, training, and support will contribute to reducing unnecessary rehospitalizations and improving patient outcomes. The contributions and experiences of family caregivers should be considered in gathering information to shape policies and practice; training health care professionals; developing programs; and reforming financing. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]
ISSN:0278-2715
1544-5208
DOI:10.1377/hlthaff.2009.0520