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Dartmouth Launches Support for Family Caregivers
8 Oct
Summary
- Nearly 63 million Americans provide unpaid care for those with medical needs.
- A new institute at Dartmouth College aims to offer caregivers vital services.
- Experts stress self-care like rest, movement, and community connection.
Dartmouth College and its healthcare system have launched the Family Caregiver Institute to provide essential services, education, and support for family caregivers. This initiative responds to a significant increase in caregiving duties, with nearly 63 million adults in the U.S. now providing care for individuals with medical conditions or disabilities, a rise of almost 50% in ten years.
The institute will be part of a broader program focusing on best practices for supporting aging or chronically ill populations. Caregivers frequently report high emotional stress due to the demanding and often unpaid nature of their work. Experts highlight the critical need for self-care to prevent burnout.
Individual strategies recommended include seeking brief breaks from neighbors or family, prioritizing sleep and physical activity, and staying connected with a community through calls or support groups. Letting go of perfectionist expectations and learning to say 'no' are also vital. Self-care is defined broadly, ranging from short moments of quiet to structured support, and is crucial for the well-being of those providing care.
