“Many caregivers simply do not have access to benefits to compensate them for the time they spend giving care or employment protections that allow them to leave work to care for their family members,” says Everette James. “And we really have no comprehensive way of providing support services, such as respite care, to everyone who needs it.” (Credit: iStockphoto)

“Family members and friends provide the vast majority of care for aging Americans experiencing chronic conditions, trauma, or illness. Yet, according to a new study, current policy efforts at the federal and state levels have not adapted to address significant health and economic risks they may experience.

“Though caregivers provide support to more than 90 percent of individuals receiving care at home, the findings show they lack access to financial policies, flexible employment, and social services.

“‘Family members and friends play a vital role in keeping aging Americans healthy and in their homes, and dramatically reducing the cost of long-term care,’ says Everette James, professor of health policy and management at the University of Pittsburgh.”

Continue reading this article at Futurity.org.