How does the caregiver role affect family dynamics? What support services are available to support this role?

Week 3 Discussion

1. Caring for older adults has become more intensive, complex, and long lasting than in the past. There are many barriers to caregivers receiving adequate preparation for their role. Evidence suggests that many caregivers experience negative psychological effects. Some caregivers are at higher risk than others, especially those who spend long hours caring for older adults with advanced dementia. Caregivers should have access to high-quality, evidence-based interventions designed to mitigate or prevent adverse health effects (Schulz, 2016). How does the caregiver role affect family dynamics? What support services are available to support this role?

Reference

Schulz R, Eden J, (2016). Families Caring for an Aging America. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US).

2. Women have shorter working lives because they tend to leave the workforce earlier than men. Based on data from the OECD, the average age for women to leave the labor-market in OECD countries is 62.3, which is about one to two years earlier than men. What are your thoughts on this?

Reference

OECD 2016. Aging and employment policies Statistics on average effective age of retirement.