Caring for the caregivers: A look at improving care after discharge

An estimated 47.9 million adults—more than 19% of the population—provide informal care for an adult in their lives. What goes on outside of the hospital or care facility is no small ask, either: Two CDC surveys have found that 40% of adult caregivers report symptoms of anxiety or depression, and 10% report suicidal ideation.

In short, these caregivers need help once their loved ones leave the healthcare facility, especially as the COVID-19 pandemic worsens isolation and other barriers to health and success.

“One of the most important things I’ve always believed is that the patient belongs to the family, not to the system or plan,” says Claudia Fine, LCSW, MPH, chief professional officer with eFamilyCare. “And the family needs to be empowered to maximize their ability to ensure that the patient is as well as possible and has access to as many resources as they are entitled to and that they need.”

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