Caring for Our Caregivers: How Philanthropy Can Help
This Women’s History Month, we highlight the challenges that caregivers face, the impact this role has on their mental health, and how philanthropy can help. The need associated with caregiving has received little attention in philanthropy, in spite of affecting so many people personally and impacting the outcomes funders care about. This includes care provided by formal or paid caregivers, as well as informal or family caregivers who support friends or family members in need.
Even prior to the pandemic, both paid and informal caregivers were at elevated risk of developing physical and mental health disorders. Many caregivers find themselves ill-prepared for their role and its associated challenges, resulting in stress, frustration, and burnout from the demands of their work. Low pay and high workplace demands are causing many paid caregivers to leave their jobs, an existing trend that has only been accelerated by the pandemic.
The link between caregiving and mental health is particularly important for funders who want to make an impact in women’s health. Caregiver mental health also affects the health and well-being of populations being cared for. As the need for caregivers increases, the importance of supporting this population will only grow, especially for an aging U.S. population.
Here are some considerations to help funders get started in this topic:
1. Incorporate caregiving and caregiver mental health into your strategy for impact, especially those supporting women.
2. Look for special services that address the barriers to healthcare that women and caregivers face. This also includes two-generation approaches that support both mothers and their children.
3. Advance policies that support caregivers and their overall well-being.
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