[News Article] New AARP report looks at onus on spousal caregivers

From the 24 April 2014 article at Covering Health

A new report from the The United Hospital Fund and AARP Public Policy Institute finds that spouses who act as the primary family caregiver routinely perform complex medical and nursing tasks without adequate in-home support from health care professionals, especially when compared with non-spousal family caregivers.

…

“Wedding vows include the promise to be there “in sickness and in health”, but we should not expect spouses to do things that can make nursing students tremble without offering them instructions and support. They should not have to do this important work at home alone. They need and deserve support from professionals, other family members, and the community,” Reinhard said.

It’s unclear why spouses receive less help, but Reinhard and co-authors Carol Levine and Sarah Samis of the United Hospital Fund theorize that choice, lack of awareness about resources, financial limitations, or fear of losing independence play a role. The report calls for additional research to help tailor interventions that support but do not supplant the primary bond between spouses.

 

Read the entire article here

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