Policies need to be made for caregivers


Policies need to be made for caregiversA new study developed by researchers from the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research found that many caregivers are facing a great deal of emotional and financial strain, and are leading unhealthy lives because of it.

"This is the 'sandwich generation,' the group of people struggling to meet the needs of both growing children and aging parents, often alone and while holding down full-time jobs," said lead author Geoffrey Hoffman. "Caregivers need help, especially as baby boomers age and place even greater strains on their and their families' abilities to cope ... These effects on caregivers' overall health merit attention from policymakers."

Research developed through various studies led the researchers to believe that there needs to be more help provided to these caregivers, as 2.6 million between the ages of 45 and 64 may be setting themselves up for an unhealthy lifestyle.

Those who feel as if the burden is too much for them to handle can enlist additional help such as skilled nurses or an assisted living center. These options not only allow seniors to be around their peers but will also give the caregiver peace of mind knowing that they have the around-the-clock care that they need.
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